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UK Mortgage Advisers & Brokers for Expats in Abu Dhabi

UK mortgages for expats living in Abu Dhabi

Based in Abu Dhabi and planning to buy, remortgage or refinance UK property? We are specialist UK mortgage advisers and brokers helping UAE residents secure UK lending, with income paid in dirhams.

  • Income in dirhams (AED) considered
  • Purchases, remortgages and buy-to-let
  • Sharia-compliant finance available
  • Handled remotely in your time zone

Why expats in Abu Dhabi use a specialist broker

Many UK high street lenders decline applicants living overseas or offer them only limited products. We search the wider market, including specialist and private banks, to find lenders that accept residents of Abu Dhabi.

Energy, government and finance professionals

Many Abu Dhabi expats work in energy, government-related entities, healthcare, education and finance. We understand the contracts, allowances and end of service arrangements common to these sectors.

Tax-free income presented properly

UAE employment income is generally not subject to personal income tax. We make sure lenders see your full package, not just basic salary.

AED income accepted

The dirham is pegged to the US dollar, and a number of UK lenders accept AED income for purchases, remortgages and buy-to-let.

What we can help with

Buying a UK home or investment property, remortgaging to a better rate, releasing equity, switching a former home to buy-to-let, or buying through a UK limited company. All arranged remotely while you live in Abu Dhabi.

How it works

A straightforward process from first conversation to completion.

Initial consultation

A free call to understand your plans, residency, income and the property.

Market research

We identify suitable lenders and explain the options, costs and trade-offs.

Decision in Principle

We obtain a Decision in Principle (DIP) from the lender, usually within 24 to 48 hours, so you know where you stand.

Application

We prepare and submit your application and manage the lender on your behalf.

Offer to completion

We liaise with solicitors and valuers until your mortgage completes.

Sharia-compliant mortgages available

For clients living in Abu Dhabi who prefer not to pay interest, we can arrange Sharia-compliant alternatives to a conventional mortgage, often called Sharia mortgages or Islamic mortgages. In the UK these are known as Home Purchase Plans.

No interest charged

Instead of lending you money and charging interest, the provider buys the property with you. You pay rent on the provider's share and gradually buy it out over the term.

Buy, refinance or let

Home Purchase Plans are available for buying a UK home or investment property, for buy-to-let, and for refinancing an existing mortgage onto a Sharia-compliant plan.

Sharia board approved

The UK providers we work with have their plans certified by an independent Sharia Supervisory Committee. Deposit and eligibility requirements vary by provider and country of residence.

Ask about Sharia-compliant finance Read our guide to how it works

How much could your UK mortgage cost?

Use our expat mortgage calculator to see how much mortgage you could get from your rental income, and what it would cost each month. An indicative guide, not a quote.

Try the calculatorStamp duty and costs

Guide

Can I get a UK mortgage while living in the Gulf?

Deposits, how lenders treat Gulf income, the documents you need, stamp duty and Sharia options, for expats in Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. More guides

Guide

UK mortgage with Gulf currency income

How lenders convert income in UAE dirhams (AED) into pounds, which allowances they count, and what exchange rate movements mean for you.

Guide

Can I get a UK mortgage living in Dubai?

Our guide for UAE residents, written for Dubai and useful across the Emirates: British expats and foreign nationals, dirham income and allowances, business owners, deposits, buy-to-let, remortgages and stamp duty.

UK mortgage questions from expats in Abu Dhabi

Answers to the questions we are asked most often.

Could I get a UK mortgage while living in Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Several UK lenders accept UAE residents, both British expats and foreign nationals. We identify which lenders fit your employment, income and deposit before any application is made.

Do UK lenders count housing and other allowances?

It depends on the lender. Some include guaranteed allowances as income, others only use basic salary. Knowing which lender treats your package best can make a real difference to how much you could borrow.

Can I buy a UK buy-to-let from Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Expat buy-to-let is one of the most common requests we see, either in your own name or through a UK limited company.

How much deposit will I need?

For expats and foreign nationals, lenders usually require a deposit of between 25% and 30% of the purchase price, depending on the lender, your residency, income and the type of property.

Do you offer Sharia mortgages?

Yes. We can arrange Sharia-compliant Home Purchase Plans for expats living in Abu Dhabi, for purchases, remortgages and buy-to-let. Instead of paying interest, you pay rent on the provider's share of the property while you buy it out over the term.

Speak to a UK expat mortgage adviser

Tell us a little about what you are looking to do and we will be in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.

Email: john.florey@opesfp.com

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