If you’re living in the UK on a visa and dreaming of owning your own home, the good news is: yes, it can be done. For many Nigerians in Britain who are settled, working and planning for the long‑term, a UK mortgage is a meaningful step. But it comes with extra requirements and hurdles — so it pays to know the rules.
✅ What you should understand
- Lenders often treat visa‑holders as higher risk than UK citizens or permanent residents. You’ll need to prepare more thoroughly.
- Important factors include how long you’ve lived in the UK, how long your visa has left, how much deposit you can supply, your income and credit history.
- Some visa types are more acceptable to lenders than others. Having a longer‑term visa or settled status improves your chances.
🎓 Visa Types & Mortgage Eligibility
For Nigerians in the UK, you might hold work visas (such as the Skilled Worker visa), family visas, graduate visas, etc.
- Lenders tend to favour visa‑holders where there is right to work and stay for a good period.
- Student‑only visas or very short‑term visas (e.g., less than 12 months remaining) may create a barrier.
🔍 What Lenders Look For
Here are some key criteria you’ll likely face:
- Residency & credit history: Many lenders ask you’ve been living in the UK for at least 1‑2 years, with a UK bank account, UK address history and a credit record.
- Remaining visa length: Some lenders expect at least 12‑24 months remaining on your visa.
- Deposit size / LTV (Loan to Value): You may need a larger deposit than UK citizens. A deposit of 20‑25% or more (so LTV 75‑80%) is common for visa‑holders.
- Income & affordability: Your income matters. Lenders need to see you can service the loan reliably.
- Visa type suitability: Visas most accepted include skilled worker/work‑sponsorship visas, family/spouse visas. Specialist lenders may consider more exotic visas.
🧭 Practical Steps for Nigerians in the UK Seeking a Mortgage
- Check your current visa status and remaining duration — set your plan early.
- Build your UK credit profile — open a UK bank account, register utilities, maintain a UK address.
- Save for deposit — the larger your deposit, the better your options.
- Talk to a specialist mortgage broker — one with experience of visa‑holder cases.
- Gather supporting documents: employment contract, payslips, visa permit, UK address history, bank statements.
- Choose the right lender — certain lenders specialise in mortgage applications for visa‑holders.
- Consider your long‑term plan — if your visa will expire soon or you plan to switch status, ensure your mortgage plan fits.
📍 Why It’s Important for Nigerians in the UK
- Owning a home is a major step for many Nigerian families in the UK — it brings stability, equity, and a base for community and family life.
- Migration often brings financial pressure and lifestyle changes — getting a mortgage means aligning income, job stability and credit in the UK context.
- Knowing your rights and requirements gives you power — you’ll avoid surprises, understand what needs to be done and make better choices.
⚠️ Key Takeaway
Yes — as a Nigerian on visa in the UK you can get a mortgage, but you will likely face stricter criteria than someone with settled status. The key is preparation, understanding your visa position, saving a deposit, building UK credit, and using a broker who specialises in such cases.
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