An international mortgage is a loan used to purchase or refinance property in a country where the borrower is not a resident. These facilities are typically arranged through specialist lenders with experience in cross-border transactions, where underwriting takes into account income, assets, and jurisdiction-specific requirements.
International mortgages are commonly used by expatriates, foreign nationals, and high-net-worth individuals acquiring second homes, investment properties, or relocating internationally. Lending structures vary by country, with differences in deposit requirements, currency, and legal frameworks.
Enness arranges international mortgages across a global network of lenders, with particular focus on key markets including:
Enness are experts in arranging international mortgages for million-pound plus properties all around the world. We pride ourselves on getting our clients the most advantageous rates and terms. This means you’ll benefit from a partner that will go above and beyond to make even the largest mortgage straightforward, stress-free, and simple.
Many high-net-worth individuals, founders and entrepreneurs seek to add overseas properties to their portfolios. Our hyper-personalised service is tailored to ensure we remove complexity from these transactions. As well as using our deep experience to achieve the best arrangement for our clients seeking international mortgages for holiday homes.
Many of our clients split their time throughout the year between several different residences and geographies. Regardless of your nationality or background, we are experts in securing high-value mortgages for our international clients, whether for their second, third or fourth overseas home.
Property remains an extremely attractive asset class, with many prestigious locations continuing to attract buyers seeking investment properties. Often, these transactions are complex and require deep experience and knowledge to process. We are experts at helping guide clients expediently and with care, to ensure the best terms are achieved.
For those owning international property, we are also able to help release equity to support other financial requirements. Whether you are a UK resident owning prime property abroad or an expat owning prime property in their country of origin, but now live abroad. We can help navigate the market and find the best terms for your needs.
French property remains some of the most desirable and sought-after in the world. While the sunny climes of the south make for an ideal location for a second home or a holiday property, the Alps also draw many investors.
The allure of Parisian property has also played a significant role in the development of the French mortgage market. Paris naturally attracts domestic investors, but expats and international buyers are also drawn by the beauty of the city and the opportunities for lucrative returns on investment property.
For non-residents, securing property finance in France can be challenging, particularly if you wish to buy high-value real estate. With unparalleled experience brokering high-value mortgages for French properties of €1m and upwards, Enness adds tangible value for prime, luxury and top-of-the-market real estate purchases.
Enness hand-builds finance packages for every client from scratch and will structure your French mortgage to suit your personal situation. The team can source and negotiate mortgages anywhere in France, with a primary focus and expertise on brokering property finance in the following regions:
Many UK banks do offer international mortgages, particularly for UK residents or citizens purchasing property abroad. However, not all banks provide this service, and alternative or non-UK lenders may offer more competitive options depending on the property location and your individual circumstances.
Securing an international mortgage requires understanding the unique requirements of cross-border financing. Here’s a simplified process to guide you:
Understand Lender Options: Many UK and international banks offer international mortgages, but not all are equipped to handle cross-border transactions. Enness connects you to specialist lenders with global expertise.
Evaluate Your Finances: International mortgages often require higher deposits or more stringent income verification, especially if you're a non-resident or foreign national. Be ready with the right documentation.
Research Local Regulations: Laws regarding property ownership and mortgage terms vary by country. Working with an expert ensures you comply with local regulations and secure the most competitive rates.
Assess Currency Risks: If the mortgage is in a different currency, you may be exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. Seek multi-currency options to protect against potential risks.
Seek Specialist Guidance: Enness' expertise can help you navigate the complexities of international mortgages, from securing the best terms to handling documentation and currency management.
By working with Enness, you gain access to global financing solutions designed to meet your specific needs and location.
Monaco is often described as a “billionaires playground” and is home to some of the most expensive real estate on the planet. Despite its size (Monaco is smaller than New York’s Central Park) property costs an average price of €48,000 per square foot.
Monaco’s property finance system is unique. It isn’t unusual for properties not to even make it to market before they are sold. Deals move quickly, and anyone buying property in Monaco will need a finance solution that can match the transaction speed. If you’ve found a property you want to buy, be warned: lengthy negotiations with lenders and question marks about finance regularly leave would-be buyers empty-handed. Liquidity is central to a successful buying experience in Monaco.
Enness is one of the leading mortgage brokers for Monaco property finance. Leveraging their know-how of the local property market and their contacts with domestic and international lenders, Enness will deliver the most competitive Monaco mortgage package.
Enness will open doors for you in Monaco and will create a finance package structured to meet your every need, whether you are buying a Monte Carlo pied-a-terre or a beachfront apartment in Larvotto.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A MORTGAGE IN MONACO?From bases in Zurich and Geneva, Enness works with local and international lenders to offer a comprehensive range of property finance in Switzerland.
Investors are spoilt for choice when it comes to the variety of luxury property on offer in Switzerland. Property prices remain steady, making Swiss real estate an appealing investment for non-residents who are often drawn to some of the best ski slopes in Europe. Most non-residents are in the market to buy ski chalets in tourist areas, given Switzerland restricts where non-residents can purchase real estate. Verbier, Grindelwald, Crans-Montana and St. Moritz remain popular for non-residents. Switzerland’s world-class dining, shopping, and health facilities also add to the country's appeal.
ARRANGE SWISS PROPERTY FINANCEProperty investors predominantly buy Spanish real estate to add a second home or holiday property to their portfolio. Spain’s 3000 hours of sunshine a year, rich local culture, food and access to luxury amenities only serve to make Spain more attractive. As well as popular haunts like Marbella and the length of the Andalusian coast, the Balearic Islands also draw ultra-high-net-worth investors. Some of Spain's most luxurious properties are found on Ibiza, and investors regularly snap up prime real estate on the island.
Spain offers few restrictions on who can buy property in the country, but while eligibility is rarely a challenge, getting a competitive mortgage from a domestic lender will be less straightforward. Enness will deliver a Spanish property finance package that is both tax-efficient and cost-effective and with headline mortgage costs as low as possible.
LEARN MOREPrime Portuguese property is some of the most attractively priced in southern Europe. Portugal’s laid-back lifestyle, warm climate and beautiful coastlines are hugely appealing, and the country has long attracted the interest of European investors. More recently, however, Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme has cemented the
country as a firm favourite for foreign high-net-worth property investors. The scheme has garnered significant interest from non-European nationals, particularly those from Latin America, although Asian and Middle Eastern buyers have also been drawn to the country. There are still luxury properties to be had at bargain prices compared to France and Spain, and many non-resident buyers are keen to purchase holiday homes or a second home in the country.
LEARN MORENot everyone is eligible to buy a property in the Channel Islands, and you will need to have specific clearances to be able to buy real estate in either location. Broadly speaking, your ability to buy will depend on where you were born, your working situation and your wider profile. However, both Jersey and Guernsey are keen to offer residency to high-net-worth individuals, and the respective governments offer a path for eligible candidates to secure entitlement to buy on the island, thus providing a viable path to buying high-value property.
Whatever your scenario, liquidity is essential for purchases in Jersey or Guernsey. Demand far outstrips supply and with limited housing available, you are unlikely to find a wide variety of “must-have” property on the market at any one time. Having the finance available that allows you to move quickly, make an offer and secure the property you want to buy is imperative, even at the top of the market.
LEARN MORELenders will typically require proof of income, asset statements, details of the property, and your residency status. For non-residents or international buyers, additional documents may be needed depending on the country and financial structure.
Many international lenders offer mortgages in EUR, GBP, USD, CHF, and other currencies. Multi-currency borrowing helps reduce foreign exchange risk and is especially useful for globally mobile clients or investors earning in different currencies.
Many high-net-worth individuals purchase international property through offshore companies, trusts, or complex ownership structures. Enness arranges mortgages that work seamlessly with these setups, even for clients with global income or multi-jurisdictional assets.
Enness has access to more than 500 international lenders, and the team has completed mortgages for 78 different nationalities across 20 countries.
If you are looking for an international mortgage of any kind, Enness will be able to help. Enness' services include:
Yes. Enness arranges French mortgages for non-resident buyers through local French banks and international lenders active in the French market. Non-residents can typically access up to 70–80% LTV, depending on the lender and borrower profile. Enness navigates French-specific requirements including notaire involvement, mandatory life insurance, and the process of obtaining a French tax number for overseas buyers.
Yes, though Monaco property finance almost always requires a private banking relationship. Enness has established connections with banks operating in the Principality and can introduce clients to the right lenders. Given Monaco's extreme property values, financing is highly bespoke and typically requires assets under management or a significant pre-existing relationship with the lending institution.
Yes. Enness arranges Spanish mortgages for non-resident buyers. Non-residents can typically borrow up to 60–70% LTV through Spanish lenders, with international private banks sometimes offering higher advance rates. Enness also advises on Spanish-specific considerations including local legal requirements, tax implications such as the non-resident income tax on rental property, and the appointment of a Spanish fiscal representative.
Switzerland restricts property purchases by non-residents in certain cantons under the Lex Koller regulations. Where purchasing is permitted, Enness can arrange finance through Swiss private banks, typically requiring assets under management or an existing private banking relationship. Enness's Zurich and Geneva offices advise clients on Swiss property finance and work alongside local legal advisers to navigate regulatory requirements.
Yes. Enness's Dubai office arranges property finance across the UAE for both residents and non-residents. UAE residents can typically borrow up to 80% LTV on a primary residence; non-residents are generally capped at 50% LTV under UAE Central Bank regulations. Enness works with local UAE banks and international lenders active in the Dubai market to find the most competitive available terms.
Yes, foreign buyers can often obtain a mortgage to purchase property in Italy, although lending criteria vary depending on residency status, income location, and the lender’s appetite for international borrowers.
Italian lenders typically offer loan-to-value ratios of around 50–70% for non-residents, with affordability assessed using documented income, assets, and overall financial strength. In some cases, international private banks and specialist lenders can provide alternative solutions, particularly for high-value purchases or clients with globally structured wealth.
The process usually involves additional documentation compared to domestic borrowing, including proof of overseas income, tax residency information, and independent property valuations. Working with an experienced international mortgage broker can help identify lenders comfortable with cross-border structures and ensure the transaction progresses efficiently alongside local legal requirements
Many UK lenders offer international mortgages, which can be suitable if you are UK-based. However, financing property abroad is often more complex. Not all lenders support international purchases, and in many cases, non-UK or specialist lenders can offer more competitive and flexible solutions.
Securing the right property finance is rarely as simple as approaching your existing bank. Some lenders only finance domestic real estate, while others may offer limited flexibility when it comes to overseas income, currency, or property type.
Enness works across a global network of private banks and specialist lenders to secure competitive terms, tailored to your circumstances and the location of the property.
Indicative pricing: International mortgage rates typically range from 5.0% to 8.5%+ per annum, depending on loan-to-value, country of purchase, currency, income structure (including overseas or multi-currency earnings), and overall complexity.
In more established markets, lower rates may be available. For example, residential mortgage rates can typically range from:
• France / Spain: 3.5% - 4.5%
• Portugal: 2.5% - 3.7%
• Italy: 3.2% - 4.5%
• Switzerland: 0.8% - 1.5%
These ranges are indicative and subject to change depending on borrower profile, structure, and lender.
Schedule A CallbackEnness' international mortgage team offers expert guidance, drawing on years of experience to secure tailored financing solutions for foreign nationals, expatriates, and non-residents seeking to purchase property in the UK or abroad.
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