For thousands of people arriving in the UK under the Skilled Worker route (formerly the Tier 2 Visa), home ownership represents more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a sign of permanence, belonging, and the decision to make the UK a long-term home. Yet for many visa holders, the path to a mortgage is filled with questions: How much deposit will I need? Will I pay higher rates? What do banks really look for?
The answers vary, but what’s clear is that mortgages for Skilled Worker Visa holders are not only possible — they are increasingly common. In fact, many mainstream lenders are open to applications from this group, provided the right boxes are ticked. As Strive Mortgages explains, some clients have even secured mortgages with just a 5–10% deposit, where others were told they’d need 25%. Similarly, The Mortgage & Protection Hub notes that once eligibility is confirmed, visa holders generally access the same interest rates as UK citizens — the challenge lies not in the cost of borrowing, but in meeting lender requirements.
Visa Status and Time Remaining
Lenders begin by looking at visa status. Most want at least six to twelve months remaining on a Skilled Worker Visa at the time of application. The logic is simple: the longer the permitted stay, the lower the perceived risk of default.
That said, exceptions exist. Applicants working in shortage-occupation sectors, such as healthcare, or those employed by high-profile sponsors, may find lenders more flexible even with shorter visa durations.
The Deposit Factor
Deposit size is often the defining feature of a Skilled Worker mortgage application. While citizens with permanent residency may secure 95% mortgages, visa holders are sometimes asked for deposits of 15–25%. This isn’t a penalty for holding a visa; it’s a risk calculation. A larger deposit lowers the lender’s exposure.
Nonetheless, there are cases where 5–10% is sufficient. It depends on the strength of the overall profile — steady income, solid employer, clean financial record. A bigger deposit, however, almost always widens the pool of available lenders and improves the terms on offer.
Credit History and UK Footprint
A strong salary and healthy deposit may not be enough without a UK financial footprint. Many applicants underestimate the importance of credit history. For lenders, a proven track record of managing money within the UK — paying bills on time, holding a bank account, using credit responsibly — can be just as important as income.
Building this footprint takes time, but small steps count. Registering at your address, setting up direct debits, and responsibly using a credit card all feed into the picture of reliability that lenders want to see.
Employment and Income
Because the Skilled Worker Visa is tied to employment, lenders scrutinise job stability closely. Most ask for three to six months of payslips, bank statements showing regular salary credits, and an employment contract. Those in high-demand roles, such as doctors and nurses, often find their applications benefit from the perceived security of their profession.
Borrowing Potential
In terms of affordability, Skilled Worker Visa holders are usually assessed on the same basis as citizens. Most lenders will lend between 4.5 and 5 times annual income, with some stretching higher for first-time buyers or higher earners. The key difference is not the multiple itself, but whether the applicant meets the criteria to qualify in the first place.
For example, a Skilled Worker earning £45,000 a year might expect to borrow between £202,500 and £225,000. With a larger deposit and clean financial history, some lenders may offer more.
The Bottom Line
The mortgage market for Skilled Worker Visa holders is far from closed, but it is nuanced. Some applicants find themselves welcomed with near-standard terms, while others face requests for larger deposits or more extensive paperwork. The outcome depends on how each piece of the puzzle — visa length, deposit, credit history, and employment — comes together.
As both Strive Mortgages and The Mortgage & Protection Hub highlight, the key is preparation and lender selection. Once the right criteria are met, Skilled Worker Visa holders can often access the same mortgage products, at the same rates, as any other borrower.
For those looking to make the UK their long-term home, the property ladder is not out of reach — it simply requires careful planning and an understanding of what lenders value most.
