Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.

Gen H Survey: Systemic Gaps Exclude Foreign Nationals from UK Mortgages

A recent survey by lender Gen H has found that only 27% of brokers on its panel consider foreign national mortgage cases straightforward to place. The findings highlight systemic criteria gaps that are preventing many foreign nationals from accessing home ownership in the UK.

The survey, conducted among 295 brokers between 11 and 20 May 2026, identified several key obstacles to placing mortgage applications for foreign nationals. The most commonly cited challenge was low maximum loan-to-values (LTVs), reported by 51.3% of respondents. Other significant barriers included fewer lender options (47.8%) and restrictive criteria on eligible visa types (43.9%).

Additional challenges noted by brokers were restrictive criteria on the time remaining on visas (31.1%) and the length of time applicants have spent in the UK (30.7%). Higher mortgage rates, thin credit files, and minimum income thresholds were also highlighted as significant hurdles for foreign national applicants.

Gen H’s analysis of market criteria found that the average maximum LTV available to foreign nationals is 85%, and this is typically only accessible to households earning around £75,000 or more. For those earning below this threshold, the maximum LTV is even lower.

These findings are relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, as they indicate ongoing barriers for foreign nationals seeking to transition from renting to home ownership. The survey suggests that restrictive lending criteria may continue to drive demand in the private rented sector among this group.