Getting a UK mortgage as a Polish or EU national – where to start

Can a Polish or EU national get a mortgage in the UK?

Yes. A UK mortgage for Polish and EU nationals works much like it does for British buyers: lenders look at your immigration status, income, outgoings, UK credit history and deposit. Nationality on its own doesn't decide the outcome.

The differences are in the detail. Some lenders have extra criteria for people with pre-settled status, a short time in the UK or a short employment history – so it pays to go through the steps below in order before applying anywhere.

Step 1. Check your immigration status

Make sure you know your EU Settlement Scheme status and can access it online – your lender or broker may ask for a share code.

• Settled status (or British citizenship) – most lenders treat you the same as UK nationals.
• Pre-settled status – many lenders accept it, but some ask for a minimum time living in the UK, a set employment history or a bigger deposit.

You can view your status and get a share code at gov.uk – View and prove your immigration status.

Step 2. Build your UK credit history

UK lenders can't see your history from Poland. They use the three credit reference agencies – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Having no UK history can be almost as unhelpful as having a poor one.

• Register on the electoral roll at your current address – EU citizens can register for local elections, and it helps lenders confirm where you live: gov.uk/register-to-vote.
• Keep household bills in your name and pay them on time.
• If you have a credit card, use it sensibly and pay on time.
• Avoid lots of credit applications in a short period – each hard search is recorded.
• Check your credit report before speaking to a broker and correct any errors.

Step 3. Work out your deposit and buying costs

Most mortgages need a deposit of at least 5% of the price, although some products accept less – see our guide to mortgages with a 2% or £5,000 deposit. A bigger deposit usually gives you more choice.

On top of the deposit, budget for:

• Stamp Duty – in England and Northern Ireland first-time buyers pay nothing up to £300,000 on homes costing up to £500,000, and 5% on the portion above £300,000. Note: the relief only applies if you – and anyone buying with you – have never owned or part-owned a home anywhere in the world, including in Poland and including an inherited share. The standard threshold is £125,000, and buyers who aren't UK resident pay an extra 2%. Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT) have their own rules. Check gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax.
• Conveyancing, searches and, ideally, a survey.
• Broker and lender fees – at Balltica Consulting the initial review and meeting are free, a DIP costs £250 and the application through to Mortgage Offer £250. See our process and fees.

A deposit from abroad or from family

Money from a Polish bank account or a gift from parents is acceptable, but your lender and solicitor must verify its source under anti-money-laundering rules. Keep statements for the sending account, evidence of where the money came from (savings, a property sale) and, for a gift, a letter from the donor confirming it isn't a loan. Transfer the money in good time so the trail is clear.

If you save in a Lifetime ISA, the government adds a 25% bonus (on up to £4,000 a year). The government has announced plans to replace the Lifetime ISA with a new first-time buyer account, so check the latest rules at gov.uk/lifetime-isa.

Step 4. Get your documents ready

• passport or national ID card and proof of status (share code),
• proof of address for the last 3 years,
• employed: recent payslips (usually 3) and your P60,
• self-employed: SA302s and Tax Year Overviews for the last 2 years (sometimes 1 year is enough),
• bank statements (usually the last 3 months),
• proof of deposit and where it came from.

At Balltica Consulting we collect and check these documents before applying for a Decision in Principle, so your DIP is based on real figures rather than estimates.

Step 5. Find out how much you can borrow

How much you can borrow depends on your income, regular outgoings, credit commitments and dependants. Lenders also check you could afford payments if rates rose (a stress test), and each lender calculates this differently.

Rates change often. In early October 2026 average two- and five-year fixed rates were close to 6%, according to Moneyfacts, and lenders were frequently withdrawing deals – another reason to have your paperwork ready early.

Step 6. Your Decision in Principle and choosing a broker

A Decision in Principle (DIP) is a lender's initial indication of how much it could lend. Estate agents often want one before accepting an offer; it is not a guarantee. A broker matches you to a lender that suits your circumstances – such as pre-settled status, a short job history or CIS income – rather than applying on a trial-and-error basis. See how to choose a mortgage broker, and check any firm on the FCA Register.

Step 7. From offer to keys

1. Find a home and make an offer (see our viewing checklist).
2. Your broker submits the full application; the lender checks documents and values the property.
3. The lender issues a Mortgage Offer and your solicitor handles conveyancing.
4. Exchange of contracts – the deal becomes binding; buildings insurance is usually needed from this point.
5. Completion – the money goes to the seller and you get the keys.

It's also worth thinking about how the mortgage would be repaid if you fell ill or died – talk to an adviser about life cover and income protection that fit your needs.

Want to check your situation? Get in touch.