Yes, British citizens can get a mortgage in the USA, even without being a resident or having a US credit history, but it requires specialized lenders, higher deposits (typically 25%–35% or more), and rigorous documentation. Non-resident loans, or foreign national mortgages, are available for buying investment or vacation properties.
Acquiring a mortgage in America can largely be dependent on your residency status. Both non-permanent residents (that hold a valid work visa) and foreign nationals (whose primary residence is not the United States) can borrow, but not without some extra hoops to jump through.
For British nationals to stay in the U.S.A indefinitely, they will need to become a lawful permanent resident of the USA. To do this, they must get an immigrant visa, a Green Card. The USCIS usually caps the immigrant visa categories yearly, meaning the application process can take years.
Visa requirements: Owning property does not grant residency. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you'll need to apply for an appropriate visa.
Ireland is one of the easiest places for British citizens to buy property. Its closeness to the UK, shared language and cultural similarities all help to simplify the process. There are also no restrictions on foreign property ownership in Ireland, making the process even easier.
The United States maintains an open policy regarding foreign property ownership. Non-U.S. citizens are permitted to purchase real estate without specific restrictions. However, it's important to note that owning property does not confer residency or immigration status.
To afford a $400,000 house, you typically need an annual income between $100,000 to $125,000, which translates to a gross monthly income of approximately $8,333 to $10,417, based on a $400,000 home price. However, this is a general range, and your specific circumstances will determine the exact income required.
The EB-5 Investor Visa allows foreign nationals and their families to become permanent residents in the U.S. and a route to a Green Card by investing in American businesses that create new jobs. Investments start at $1,050,000, or $800,000, if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
You are able to stay in United States for up to 90 days. If you wish to stay longer, please refer to the information at the top of this page to see if there are any long-stay visa options. If there are none, please contact your nearest American embassy or consulate for more information on how to extend your stay.
Australia, Canada, the USA, and New Zealand are among the most popular visa-free destinations for UK citizens—all except the USA are members of the Commonwealth Nations. But in light of political instability, British citizens seek options in the EU more often.
Retiring to America from the UK offers retirees a blend of lifestyle options, from coastal living to vibrant cities. Higher living costs and private healthcare mean careful financial planning is essential for a smooth transition. Green cards are available through investment, but the costs are high.
Generally, both countries allow dual citizenship for life unless you take specific steps to renounce it.
The amount you can borrow is based on your salary. Most lenders will loan around 4 or 4.5 times your annual income. To be approved for a £500,000 mortgage, you'd need an annual income of around £111,000-£125,500. This is significantly above the average UK annual salary, currently £39,039 (January 2026).
If you're able to get a 95% mortgage, you could buy a house worth £200,000 with a £10,000 deposit. If you're only able to get a 90% deposit, you would only be able to buy a house worth £100,000 with a £10,000 deposit.
If you are considering U.S. residency, purchasing property alone will not qualify you for a visa. However, the EB-5 program offers a legitimate path to a U.S. Green Card through job-creating investments, often linked to real estate developments.
The Trump Gold Card is a proposed type of investor visa leading to a residency permit for the United States, announced by United States president Donald Trump, that would allow investors a fast track path to residency and citizenship if they pay at least $1 million USD to the government.
Gold Card ($1 million): Applications are now live on the official government portal, trumpcard.gov. The standard Gold Card offers a green card and a path to citizenship for a $1 million contribution. Applicants must first pay a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee before Homeland Security conducts security vetting.
The fastest ways to get a green card or to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. is through the following methods:
Short answer: the dirt… and everything attached to it. Real Property includes the land, trees, minerals, and anything permanent like that house you live in. 👉 Follow us for more real estate legal terms explained in plain English.
Capital gains tax in the UK applies when you sell or dispose of an asset that has increased in value. For U.S. expats living in the UK, this typically affects second homes, rental properties, or your main home if you've rented it out or used it for business purposes.