Can expats and offshore borrowers get a UK bridging loan?
Yes. Berkeley Credit specialises in bridging for British expats, foreign nationals and offshore-incorporated companies investing in UK property. Because the loan is secured on real estate in England and Wales and underwritten on the asset and the exit, your country of residence or incorporation is a structuring question, not a barrier. Loans from £50,000 to £25,000,000, for business and investment purposes, with a same-day decision.
Why international borrowers struggle with mainstream lenders
Banks are built around UK-resident, UK-income, UK-credit-history borrowers. An expat with overseas income, a foreign national with no UK credit footprint, or a property held through an offshore company will often be declined or left waiting — not because the deal is weak, but because it falls outside the standard template and the enhanced due diligence slows a high-street lender down. Specialist lending exists precisely for these cases.
How we lend to international borrowers
We underwrite the UK asset and the exit, so overseas income, foreign structures and a thin UK credit history are things we work with rather than reasons to decline. We are comfortable with the cross-border documentation and identity checks that the deal requires, and we coordinate with overseas and UK solicitors to keep completion moving. The security is a legal charge over the UK property, supported by personal, corporate or debenture guarantees as appropriate.
Who we work with
- British expats living and earning abroad, investing back into UK property
- Foreign nationals and non-UK residents buying or refinancing UK assets
- Offshore-incorporated companies — Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, BVI and others
- Investors based in the Gulf, Hong Kong, Singapore and other international hubs
Lending is on UK (England & Wales) investment property only, for business and investment purposes.
Due diligence and compliance
As a firm registered with the FCA under the Money Laundering Regulations, we run thorough anti-money-laundering, identity and source-of-funds checks on every international borrower, and standard sanctions screening. Having the documentation ready — proof of identity, source of funds and structure details — is the single biggest factor in a fast completion. We handle this methodically so it speeds the deal up rather than stalling it.
An honest answer the same day
Frequently asked questions
Can I borrow if I live abroad?
Yes. British expats and non-UK residents can borrow against UK investment property. We lend on the asset and exit, so living overseas isn’t a barrier, subject to identity and source-of-funds checks.
Can an offshore company borrow?
Yes. We lend to companies incorporated in Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, the BVI and other jurisdictions, secured on the UK property with guarantees as appropriate.
Do I need a UK credit history or UK bank account?
A UK credit history isn’t required, because we underwrite the asset and exit rather than credit-scoring you. Practical banking arrangements are handled case-by-case.
Will I need my own tax and legal advice?
Yes. Tax and legal treatment depends on your country of residence, citizenship or incorporation, so you should take independent advice there. Berkeley Credit does not provide regulated, tax or legal advice.
Talk to us about an international deal
Investing in UK property from overseas? Tell us about the deal and get an honest, same-day decision. Loans from £50,000 to £25,000,000 across England and Wales.
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.