Layer expat customers with specialist property types

For these borrowers, property ownership often is part of a broader plan, whether that’s diversifying income, creating family wealth, or preparing for a future return home. Increasingly, we’re seeing expats mix and match different types of specialist property lending, layering HMOs, multi-unit freehold blocks (MUFB), limited company, and holiday let investments to create well-rounded portfolios.

For brokers, this shift presents a significant opportunity. As expat lending becomes more complex, the ability to layer multiple specialist products within a single portfolio can make all the difference. That’s where our flexible, manual approach really stands out.

Why layering matters

Layering is about giving expat clients the freedom to invest in a way that suits goals and circumstances. Many investors are choosing to diversify beyond standard buy to let properties to include high-yielding HMOs and MUFBs, while others are taking advantage of the strong short-term rental market through holiday lets. This kind of strategic diversification can help expat investors balance stability with growth, spreading income risk while maximising return potential.

However, layering specialist property types also adds complexity, particularly for expats managing their investments from abroad. Mainstream lenders can struggle with these kinds of cases, as they often involve varied ownership structures, cross-border income, or properties held under multiple entities. Foundation Home Loans takes a different approach, by assessing each case on its individual merits and using our manual underwriting expertise to find solutions that work in practise, not just on paper.

Flexibility that fits real clients

Our expat range has been designed specifically for the real-world scenarios brokers see every day. We accept applications from over 60 countries including the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the UAE (subject to conditions), and where proof of income is required, we only ask for one year’s evidence. That makes it easier for brokers to help expats who many not fit rigid lending criteria elsewhere.

We’re also open to a wide variety of ownership structures. An expat’s SPV might be a subsidiary of a larger holding or trading company, or part of an intergenerational ownership plan where family members, including children, hold shares. Our underwriters take the time to understand each structure, ensuring lending decisions reflect the bigger picture, not just the paperwork.

This flexible, case-by-case approach allows us to support both individual landlords and limited companies, whether they’re purchasing, remortgaging, or refinancing layered portfolios. It’s about recognising the diversity of modern expat investors and adapting our lending to fit.

How brokers benefit         

Layering expat and specialist property lending isn’t just beneficial for clients – it also gives brokers the ability to deliver tailored, strategic advice; by combining our expat criteria with our specialist property options, brokers can help their clients build portfolios that are both profitable and sustainable. Whether the client is investing through a limited company. Expanding into HMOs, or adding a holiday let for additional yield, our range makes it easier to build a structure that works long-term.

Our regional account managers (RAMs) play a vital role in supporting these cases. Their deep product knowledge and practical insight mean brokers can navigate layered cases confidently, knowing they have expert support from start to finish. From understanding complex ownership setups to structuring the right mix of lending, our RAMs help brokers place cases efficiently and with confidence.

Ultimately, layering expat and specialist property types is about building resilience – creating portfolios that perform over time, adapt to market changes, and deliver long-term value for clients. At Foundation Home Loans, we make that process straightforward. With flexible underwriting, practical lending criteria, and dedicated regional support, we give brokers the tools to turn layered, cross-border cases into successful completions, helping expat clients invest back into the UK with confidence.

FOR INTERMEDIARIES ONLY