UK Expat Mortgage, a leading specialist broker for expatriate mortgages, today released data showing the global distribution of their client base for the first quarter of 2025, highlighting interesting trends in British expat locations around the world and global demand for UK property.
United Kingdom, 14th Apr 2025 – The data reveals Australia as the top location for British expatriates seeking mortgage services, accounting for 14.8% of all inquiries. This is followed by the United Arab Emirates (9.3%), Saudi Arabia (8.3%), and the United States (8.3%). These figures not only showcase popular expat destinations but also indicate which global regions have expatriates with the financial capacity to invest in UK property.
“We’re seeing fascinating patterns in where British nationals are choosing to live and work globally, while maintaining property investments back home,” said Luther Yeates, Director at UK Expat Mortgage. “The strong presence in Australia continues a historical trend, while the significant numbers across the Middle East reflect the ongoing professional opportunities in these markets.”
Key Findings:
The top ten countries where expat mortgage clients reside:
- Australia (14.8%)
- United Arab Emirates (9.3%)
- Saudi Arabia (8.3%)
- United States (8.3%)
- Qatar (7.4%)
- Netherlands (7.4%)
- Canada (5.6%)
- New Zealand (4.6%)
- Germany (4.6%)
- Singapore (3.7%)
The Middle East region collectively represents 30.6% of all inquiries, with strong showings from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
European countries account for just 20.4% of inquiries, while Asia-Pacific nations represent 28.7%.
Strong Income Profile of British Expatriates
Analysis of client income data reveals the substantial earning power of British expatriates seeking UK property financing. The average annual income among clients stands at approximately £112,000, significantly exceeding average UK domestic salaries.
“These income figures underline why expatriate mortgages represent such an important market segment,” said Yeates. “Many of our clients are high-earning professionals who have leveraged international opportunities to accelerate their careers and earning potential, while maintaining their connection to the UK through property investment.”
Investment vs. Residential Property Trends
Analysis of mortgage application types reveals a slight preference for investment properties among British expatriates. Buy-to-Let mortgages account for 51.8% of all applications, with Buy-to-Let Remortgages being the single most common transaction type at 28.8% of the total.
Residential mortgages make up 48.2% of applications, with Residential Purchases dominating this category at 41.7% of all transactions.
Implications for the UK Property Market and Global Economies
The distribution of expat mortgage inquiries provides valuable insights into both the UK property market and broader global economic trends. The significant interest from expatriates in high-growth economies suggests continued confidence in UK property as a stable investment vehicle despite global economic fluctuations.
“What we’re witnessing is a sophisticated investor demographic responding to economic opportunities worldwide while maintaining their confidence in UK real estate,” explained Yeates. “The strong showing from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions reflects not just the earning potential in these markets but also indicates where currency advantages against the pound are creating favorable conditions for property investment back in Britain.”
The data also reflects broader patterns of global talent mobility, with countries offering competitive tax structures and growing industries attracting significant numbers of British professionals.
About UK Expat Mortgage
UK Expat Mortgage specializes in helping British expatriates and foreign nationals secure mortgage financing for UK properties.
For more information and for the full data source (personal client details redacted): josh@ukexpatmortgage.com
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Finance Droid journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.