How to buy property in United Kingdom
A practical guide for buyers (including foreigners): step-by-step process, purchase costs, annual taxes, financing and quirks in United Kingdom. Informational, verified August 2026 — not legal advice.
Can foreigners buy?
No restrictions, but non-residents pay a 2% SDLT surcharge.
The process, step by step
- 1Offer via the agent (non-binding in England until exchange)
- 2Conveyancing: your solicitor runs checks (6–12 weeks)
- 3Survey — at your cost, worth it
- 4Exchange of contracts + 10% deposit (only now binding)
- 5Completion + Land Registry registration
Purchase costs (on top of the price)
| SDLT (progressive; +2% non-resident, +5% second home) | 0–17% |
| Solicitor + searches | ~0,5–1% |
Annual taxes: Council Tax by band (~£1,000–4,000/yr); leaseholds add service charge + ground rent.
Financing as a non-resident
Non-residents use specialist lenders, typical 25–40% down.
Quirks that surprise buyers
- ⚠️ FREEHOLD vs LEASEHOLD: leasehold means buying a term of years (check the remainder — under 80 hurts value)
- ⚠️ Anyone can walk away before exchange (gazumping exists)
- ⚠️ Scotland has a different system (offers bind early)
Frequently asked questions
- Can I buy property in United Kingdom as a foreigner?
- No restrictions, but non-residents pay a 2% SDLT surcharge.
- What costs and taxes do I pay when buying in United Kingdom?
- SDLT (progressive; +2% non-resident, +5% second home): 0–17%; Solicitor + searches: ~0,5–1%. Council Tax by band (~£1,000–4,000/yr); leaseholds add service charge + ground rent.
- Can I get a mortgage in United Kingdom as a non-resident?
- Non-residents use specialist lenders, typical 25–40% down.