Can a foreign national get a UK bridging loan?
Yes. Berkeley Credit lends to foreign nationals borrowing against property in England and Wales, whether or not you have any UK residence or credit history. Because the loan is secured on the UK asset and underwritten on the asset and the exit, your nationality is a due-diligence and structuring question rather than a barrier. Loans from £50,000 to £25,000,000, for business and investment purposes, with a same-day decision.
Foreign national or expat — the difference
The two are often confused. An expat is usually a British national living overseas; a foreign national is a non-UK citizen, who may live in the UK or abroad. Both can borrow with us, but the checks differ. This page is for non-UK nationals — if you are a British citizen living abroad, our expat and offshore bridging page is the better fit.
Why non-UK nationals struggle with mainstream lenders
High-street lenders are built around UK-resident, UK-income, UK-credit-history borrowers. A foreign national with overseas income and no UK credit footprint frequently falls outside that template, and the enhanced identity and source-of-funds checks that a cross-border case needs slow a mainstream lender down further. Specialist lending exists for exactly these borrowers.
How we lend to foreign nationals
We underwrite the UK asset and the exit, so overseas income, an overseas structure or a thin UK credit history are things we work with rather than reasons to decline. We take a legal charge over the England and Wales property, supported by personal, corporate or debenture guarantees as appropriate, and coordinate with UK and overseas solicitors to keep completion moving. Every case is assessed on its merits and subject to underwriting.
ID, AML and source of funds
As a firm registered with the FCA under the Money Laundering Regulations, we carry out thorough identity, anti-money-laundering and source-of-funds checks, plus standard sanctions screening, on every foreign national borrower. This is handled methodically and up front: having your identification, proof of source of funds and structure details ready is the single biggest factor in a fast completion.
Who we work with
- Non-UK nationals buying or refinancing investment property in England and Wales
- Overseas-resident and UK-resident foreign nationals
- Borrowers using UK or offshore companies, SPVs and trusts
- Brokers placing cross-border cases that need careful due diligence
Lending is on England and Wales investment property only, for business and investment purposes.
Related bridging finance
How bridging loans for foreign nationals work
- Tell us about the deal. Share the property, the amount and your exit, and we give an honest same-day decision in principle.
- Identity and source-of-funds checks. We complete ID, AML and source-of-funds checks and issue indicative terms.
- Legals and completion. We take a legal charge over the England and Wales property and coordinate with UK and overseas solicitors to complete.
Because we underwrite the UK asset and the exit, overseas income or a thin UK credit history are not barriers. Our identity and source-of-funds checks follow the UK Money Laundering Regulations.
Talk to us about a foreign national deal
A non-UK national investing in England or Wales property? Tell us about the deal and get an honest, same-day decision. Loans from £50,000 to £25,000,000.
Frequently asked questions
Can I borrow if I am not a UK citizen?
Yes. We lend to foreign nationals against investment property in England and Wales, whether you live in the UK or abroad, subject to identity and source-of-funds checks.
Do I need a UK credit history or UK bank account?
A UK credit history is not required, because we underwrite the asset and the exit rather than credit-scoring you. Practical banking arrangements are handled case by case.
What documents will you need for AML and source of funds?
Typically proof of identity, evidence of your source of funds, and details of any corporate structure. We confirm the exact checklist for your circumstances when you enquire — having these ready up front is the biggest factor in a fast completion.
Is this regulated lending?
No. Berkeley Credit lends for business and investment purposes only, on property the borrower does not occupy, and is not fully FCA authorised. We do not provide regulated advice.
Berkeley Credit Limited is registered in England & Wales (Company No. 16111009) and with the FCA under the Money Laundering Regulations (No. 1029007); not fully FCA authorised; no regulated advice. All lending is for business and investment purposes only, on property the borrower does not occupy, and subject to valuation, legals and underwriting.