getting a mortgage

[expat]

Anyone have a good suggestion for getting a mortgage on a property in the uk, for use as my home (but not residence, yet)?

ContractorMoney are very helpful but can't do anything for me because I'm not UK-resident.

I've asked one or two "expat" mortgage services but they don't like contractors.

Over the past few years I've worked in several countries, and with several sorts of status (e.g. at the moment I'm in Switzerland, so technically an employee of my agency) so although I've been working continuously forever, I don't have an adequate supply of recent payslips or accounts. Nor can I prove permanence in one job, obviously.

I see what I'm doing as one single way of making a living, one that works. I'm no more unemployed at the end of a contract than a taxi-driver is unemplyed every time a fare steps out of his cab: it's the series of them that makes a living. But I'm having trouble finding anyone who doesn't treat me like a pikey (hmm maybe that's the answer).

[super]

Anyone have a good suggestion for getting a mortgage on a property in the uk, for use as my home (but not residence, yet)?

ContractorMoney are very helpful but can't do anything for me because I'm not UK-resident.

I've asked one or two "expat" mortgage services but they don't like contractors.

Over the past few years I've worked in several countries, and with several sorts of status (e.g. at the moment I'm in Switzerland, so technically an employee of my agency) so although I've been working continuously forever, I don't have an adequate supply of recent payslips or accounts. Nor can I prove permanence in one job, obviously.

I see what I'm doing as one single way of making a living, one that works. I'm no more unemployed at the end of a contract than a taxi-driver is unemplyed every time a fare steps out of his cab: it's the series of them that makes a living. But I'm having trouble finding anyone who doesn't treat me like a pikey (hmm maybe that's the answer).

Try an Independent Financial Adviser. He/she should know the full market of mortgage products and have access to software called Mortgage Brain from which to search the most appropriate deals for you.

[morphman]

I can see your quandry, however, its the consequence of your lifestyle choice to work in different countries over several years.

As a sound investor, I would not dream of investing in someone who :-

1, doesnt have adequate status (electoral role, permanent residencies etc)
2, Cannot provide documentary evidence of previous income.

Think of it from the banks point of view.

Right, some advice:-

1. Whever you bank your money for the past few years, get a mortgage from that country, which can cover property from outside that country (like a holiday home mortgage). They will be much more likely to lend you money, as they have hold of your bank accounts and can see what you earn.
If you cant get a mortgage from your banks country of origin, you probably have more problems than your employment history.

2. Put down a deposit in excess of 15%, and look for a buy to let mortgage to put through a company. Then just live there yourself.

[The Lone Gunman]

I had a similar situation. As have lots over the years.

My offshore bank were willing but their rate was ridiculous.

Basically you are snookered. If you find an answer let us know.

[privateeye]

I was in a similar situation so used a friends house as a UK residents address. Using an IFA gets better access to the decision makers in the BS or Bank than the high street managers strange though it seems. IFA's tend to call around getting answers first. What you don't want to do is fill in forms and formally apply unless you know you will get the mortgage - each application and refusal is registered centrally and to get formal refusals can count against you.