Bluestone Mortgages, part of Shawbrook Retail Mortgages, has introduced changes to its lending criteria that will enable more non-UK nationals to access residential mortgages, even if they have not yet secured Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Effective immediately, individuals working in the UK on a Skilled Worker or Health & Care Visa may be eligible for loans up to 90% loan-to-value (LTV), provided they meet key requirements.
Applicants must have lived in the UK for at least 12 months, hold a valid work visa with at least 6 months remaining, and earn a minimum gross annual income of £50,000.
The changes reflect a growing trend within Shawbrook Retail Mortgages to make homeownership more accessible to skilled international workers, following a similar move by The Mortgage Lender earlier this month.
Steve Griffiths, commercial director for retail mortgages at Shawbrook, said: “We’re committed to evolving our criteria in ways that reflect the real lives of today’s borrowers, including those who are contributing to the UK economy but can face unnecessary obstacles to homeownership.
“These updates help to open the door to customers who are building their futures in the UK and contributing to key sectors of the economy yet often face limited mortgage options.
“It’s about recognising financial stability in a broader context and giving brokers greater flexibility to serve a wider client base.”
