The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region – including Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, as well as the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman – consistently produces some of the most active international buyers of UK property. London in particular has long been a premier destination for Gulf nationals, with regional cities including Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh growing in popularity. The Mortgage Story has experience arranging UK mortgages for Gulf national buyers across all six GCC countries. For more information, see FCA regulated mortgage advice.
Can Qatar Nationals Get a UK Mortgage?
Yes. Qatari nationals can purchase UK property and access specialist foreign national mortgage products. A minimum deposit of 25-40% is typically required. Some private bank lenders offer bespoke solutions for high-net-worth Qatari buyers.
Can Kuwaiti Nationals Get a UK Mortgage?
Yes. Kuwaiti nationals are active UK property buyers and can access specialist foreign national mortgage products with deposits of 25-40%. Private banking solutions are also available for high-value transactions.
Can Saudi Arabian Nationals Get a UK Mortgage?
Yes. Saudi nationals purchasing UK property can access specialist foreign national mortgage products. The process is similar to other GCC buyers, with a minimum deposit of 25-40% and proof of income and source of funds required.
Accepting Gulf Currency Income
Specialist lenders accept income paid in Qatari Riyal (QAR), Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), and Saudi Riyal (SAR) with currency conversion applied. An exchange rate haircut is typically applied to account for currency risk. The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) is one of the world’s highest-valued currencies, which works favourably in income assessments.
Popular UK Property Destinations for Gulf Buyers
London
Prime central London – Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Belgravia, Kensington – has historically been particularly popular with Gulf buyers seeking capital preservation in one of the world’s most transparent property markets. More recently, new developments in Nine Elms, White City, and east London have attracted Gulf investment buyers.
Manchester and Birmingham
Gulf buyers are increasingly active in Manchester and Birmingham, attracted by stronger rental yields than London and lower entry prices. Both cities have growing Muslim communities, halal-compliant services, and international schools appealing to Gulf families.
Edinburgh and Scotland
Edinburgh has attracted Gulf interest for its cultural heritage, investment value, and competitive entry prices relative to London.
Halal Mortgage Options
For Gulf buyers seeking Sharia-compliant finance, Islamic mortgage products (home purchase plans) are available in the UK through specialist Islamic finance providers. The Mortgage Story can advise on both conventional and Islamic finance options.
Please note: Tax may be applicable on the purchase, sale and any rental income received from UK property. The Mortgage Story is not authorised to provide tax advice and strongly recommends seeking a professional tax adviser before proceeding.
Do Gulf Buyers Pay the Non-Resident SDLT Surcharge?
Non-UK residents pay an additional 2% SDLT surcharge on residential property purchases. Tax obligations may also apply in your country of residence. The Mortgage Story does not provide tax advice – please consult a qualified tax adviser.
How The Mortgage Story Can Help Gulf Buyers
The Mortgage Story has experience arranging UK mortgages for buyers from all six GCC countries. We work with specialist lenders and private banks who understand Gulf income structures and international buyers. Our process is fully remote-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions – Gulf National UK Property Purchase
What deposit do Gulf nationals need for UK property?
Most specialist lenders require 25-40% deposit from non-UK resident buyers. Private bank lenders may have different requirements for high-value transactions.
Are Islamic mortgage options available for Gulf buyers in the UK?
Yes. A number of UK lenders offer Sharia-compliant home purchase plans. The Mortgage Story can advise on the available options.
Can Gulf nationals buy property across the whole of the UK?
Yes. There are no restrictions on GCC nationals purchasing property anywhere in the UK – England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Can I use my Gulf savings as a deposit for UK property?
Yes. Source of funds documentation is required and UK anti-money-laundering checks apply to all overseas deposits.
The Mortgage Story is a trading style of The Mortgage Story Ltd, which is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Firm Reference Number: 991223). We provide mortgage and protection advice only. Nothing in this article constitutes financial planning or legal advice.
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