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FCDO & Crown Servants

Mortgages while you serve abroad

Being posted overseas by the Foreign Office, the military or another government department should not stop you buying property in the UK. We work with lenders who understand Crown servant income, overseas allowances and the unique circumstances of diplomatic and military life.

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UK government building
FCA Regulated
Overseas postings
Allowances included
Let to buy

Buying a UK home while overseas

Many Crown servants want to own a property in the UK as a base between postings, or as a long-term investment. The challenge is that most high street lenders will not consider applicants who are currently living abroad, even if their employer is the British government.

We work with lenders who understand that a Crown servant posted to Nairobi or Washington is no riskier than one based in London. They accept your UK salary, your overseas allowances, and the fact that your employer is as secure as it gets.

Who we help

FCDO and diplomatic staff

Whether you are at your first posting or approaching retirement, we arrange UK mortgages for FCDO diplomats stationed anywhere in the world. We understand hardship allowances, cost of living adjustments and overseas salary structures.

Armed forces

Military personnel posted in the UK or abroad, including those using Forces Help to Buy. We know which lenders accept military income, including X-factor payments and deployment allowances.

Other Crown servants

HMRC, Border Force, intelligence services and other government employees posted overseas. If your employer is a Crown body and you are working abroad, we can help.

Let to buy

If you already own a home in the UK and want to let it out while you are posted overseas, then buy a second property, this is called Let to Buy. We arrange consent to let on your existing mortgage (or switch it to a BTL deal) and a new residential mortgage for the property you are buying. We handle both sides of the transaction.

Forces Help to Buy

Military personnel can borrow up to 50% of their salary (capped at GBP 25,000) interest-free through the Forces Help to Buy scheme. This can be used as a deposit alongside a mortgage. We are experienced in combining FHTB with the right mortgage deal.

Common questions

Can I buy while abroad?
Yes. Certain lenders accept applications from Crown servants posted overseas. Identity verification and signing can often be handled through the consulate or via a power of attorney.
Do allowances count?
Some lenders include overseas allowances (hardship, cost of living, local pay supplements) in their affordability calculations. Others only use your basic UK salary. We know which lenders take the most favourable approach.
What about letting my current home?
If you already own a home, you can apply for consent to let from your current lender, or we can switch you to a buy to let mortgage. This frees you up to buy a new home with a fresh residential mortgage.
Can my partner apply alone?
If your partner is UK-based, they can apply as the sole applicant. If they are overseas with you, the same Crown servant lender routes apply. We assess which approach gives you the strongest application.

Other specialist professions

Healthcare

NHS and private medical professionals.

Sports

Variable income specialists.

Legal

Solicitors and barristers.

Veterinary

Practice owners and locums.

Ready to explore your options?

Get in touch for a friendly chat. Honest, straightforward advice from our family to yours.

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