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Q. Can I get a US mortgage with no US credit history?
Often, yes, but not usually from the first big bank you walk into. Mainstream US lenders lean heavily on your US credit score and credit history, which a recent arrival does not yet have. That does not mean you are stuck. There are lenders and loan programs built specifically for people in your position, and a bigger deposit plus strong documentation goes a long way.
A good starting point is to understand the standard US mortgage process itself, so you can compare offers on a like-for-like basis. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a US government agency, has plain-language tools for exactly this.
Q. What is a foreign national mortgage in the USA?
These are loan programs designed for borrowers who do not fit the standard mould, for example someone without an established US credit score, or without an SSN. Instead of relying only on a US credit score, the lender looks at your wider financial picture, and may accept an international credit report or other proof that you handle credit responsibly.
The trade-off is usually a larger down payment and, in some cases, a higher interest rate than a long-standing US resident would get. Exact terms vary a lot by lender, so treat any single figure you read online as a starting point to confirm, not a rule.
Plan for a bigger deposit
Newcomer and foreign-national programs typically ask for a larger down payment than a standard loan. Budget generously and get the specific requirement in writing from the lender or broker before you commit.
Q. What documents do I need for a US mortgage as a UK citizen?
Every lender is different, but a foreign-national or newcomer application commonly asks for some combination of:
- Passport and visa or immigration documentation.
- Proof of income, which may include UK payslips or contracts as well as any US income.
- Bank statements, often from both UK and US accounts.
- An international credit report, or another reference showing your credit conduct.
- Evidence of your deposit and where it came from.
- Tax returns, UK or US, depending on the lender.
Q. Do I need a specialist mortgage broker as a British expat?
A mortgage broker who regularly works with expats and foreign nationals already knows which lenders will accept your profile, so you spend less time being turned down by banks that were never going to say yes. They can match your situation, such as UK income, a visa, or a thin US credit file, to lenders comfortable with it, and guide you through the paperwork. Look for one who states clearly that they handle foreign-national or newcomer cases.
Who to talk to
Two kinds of professional are worth lining up. First, a specialist cross-border or foreign-national mortgage broker, who can find lenders that accept newcomers and expat income. Second, a financial adviser who understands UK-US cross-border planning, to sanity-check how a US mortgage and a US property fit your overall picture, including currency, tax, and what happens to the asset in each country. This site does not recommend specific firms; ask about relevant experience, fees, and regulation before you engage anyone.
Links reviewed July 2026. Loan programs, deposit requirements and rates change frequently, so confirm current terms directly with a lender or broker.