Lockhart Murphy International · UAE
UK mortgages for UAE residents
Buying property in London or elsewhere in the UK while based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? We provide specialist UK mortgage advice for residents of the UAE — including tax-free salary income, free-zone company structures and funds held in AED or USD.
A market we understand well
The UAE is one of the most active overseas markets for UK property purchases, particularly London and the South East. Applicants based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi typically bring a mix of tax-free salary income, free-zone company structures and funds held across multiple currencies — none of which fits a standard UK mortgage application template.
Lockhart Murphy is UK-based and regulated for UK mortgage business. We are not licensed or regulated in the UAE. This page does not constitute advice on UAE law, tax or immigration matters.
Who this is for
- UAE-based professionals. Working in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and buying UK property to live in, let out or hold as an investment.
- Free-zone business owners. Income structured through a UAE free-zone company rather than conventional employment.
- GCC and international nationals. Based in the UAE but not necessarily UAE or UK nationals.
- UK expats in the UAE. British nationals living and working in the Emirates who still want a foothold in the UK property market.
What we'll need to understand
Income currency and evidence
AED or USD salary, employment contracts and, for free-zone company owners, how that income is structured and evidenced.
Source of funds
Deposits held in UAE banks and the documentation UK lenders will expect to see behind them.
UK credit history
Many UAE residents have limited or no UK credit footprint — we work with lenders who assess this sensibly rather than penalising it outright.
Property and purpose
Whether you're buying a London base, a residential investment or a buy-to-let property.
Your Adviser
International and complex cases
Yazdaan leads Lockhart Murphy as Managing Director and has arranged more than £200 million in lending across a genuinely broad range of complex and high-value cases, including clients based overseas.
Meet YazdaanFrequently asked questions
I earn a tax-free salary in Dubai — does that cause a problem?
Not necessarily. It's a normal part of assessing UAE-based applicants — we work with lenders whose underwriting reflects how UAE salaries and benefits packages are actually structured.
Do I need to be a UK resident to get a mortgage?
No — non-UK residents can access UK mortgage products, though the range of available lenders and rates differs from a UK-resident application. We'll talk through what's realistic for your circumstances.
Can you help if my deposit is held in AED or USD?
Yes — this is a routine part of international cases. We'll guide you through the source-of-funds evidence UK lenders and solicitors will expect.
Lockhart Murphy is UK-based and advises on UK-regulated mortgage contracts. We are not licensed or regulated in any country other than the UK and do not provide overseas legal, tax or immigration advice. Product availability depends on individual circumstances, lender criteria and your country of residence.
Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other loans secured upon it.