How to Hub
The art of conversation: how your RAM can help place expat cases
Every expat case is different. Whether it’s a client buying through auction refinancing after relocation, specialist properties in personal names or through complex limited structures, no two situations are ever quite the same. And that’s why conversation, not just criteria, is often the key to getting them over the line.
At Foundation Home Loans, we believe that the right dialogue early on, often turns tricky expat cases into successful completions. Our Regional Account Managers (RAMs) and Internal Business Development Managers (IBDMs) work hand-in-hand with brokers to unpack structure, guide documentation, and find the right fit across our specialist and expat ranges.
“Sometimes, it’s not about the form you fill in – it’s about the conversation you have,” says Shirli, one of our RAMs. “When brokers call us early on, we can help shape how the case is presented, combine the right criteria, and even layer different product types – all before it reaches underwriting.”
Collaboration that delivers results
Our RAMs don’t just answer questions; they help build solutions. By talking through the details, from ownership structure to income evidence, brokers can unlock opportunities that might otherwise be missed. They also work collaboratively across Foundation Home Loans, checking cases internally and taking queries to other departments when needed. Our RAMs have direct access to our underwriters, legal and credit teams, meaning even the most complex case questions can be resolved quickly and accurately.
Take, for example, a recent HMO refinance case. The broker has struggled to place it elsewhere due to complex ownership and overseas income, but an early conversation with one of our RAMs allowed the team to repackage it within our expat range, aligning the right affordability model and documentation. With the departments across Foundation Home Loans working together, the case completed smoothly and on time.
“We see it time and time again – early conversations save time later” Shirli adds. “The sooner a broker calls us, the sooner we can spot where flexibility in our criteria can help. Sometimes that means layering expat criteria with specialist property types like HMOs or MUFBs; other times it’s about simplifying how income or ID is evidenced from overseas.”
Real flexibility, real support
Our criteria is designed to reflect real-world client circumstances, and our manual underwriting gives brokers the confidence to take on more complex cases. By speaking with their RAM or IBDM early, brokers can make the most of our flexibility – from offering lending up to 75% LTV for both purchases and remortgages, to accepting applications from over 60 countries, including the EU, EEA, Switzerland and UAE (subject to conditions).
We also make documentation simpler, with no minimum income and by requiring only one year’s income proof, which helps remove barriers for expats with shorter employment histories or more complex income streams. Whether clients are applying as individual landlords or through a limited company, our range provides options that can accommodate layered ownership structures and bespoke scenarios.
Because each case is assessed manually, our underwriters take time to look beyond policy and understand the full story behind the application. This combination of flexibility and personal assessment means brokers can confidently layer our expat criteria with specialist property types, such as HMOs or MUFBs, helping clients grow their portfolios and invest back into the UK with confidence.
Turning challenging cases into completions
Complex cases don’t need to be complicated. With a team of RAMs and IBDMs ready to help, brokers have direct access to expert support that can turn uncertainty into opportunity.
“We’re problem-solvers at heart,” Shirli explains. “We don’t just process applications – we talk them through, we find the right structure, and we use our experience to help brokers get cases over the line. That’s what collaboration looks like in practise.”
At Foundation Home Loans, our focus is always on people, not just paperwork. Whether it’s helping an expat investor refinance or purchase, the right conversation at the right time can make all the difference.
The more brokers share with us, the more insight we gain and the more we can adapt as a lender, opening a wider channel for future opportunities and ongoing collaboration.
Talk to your RAM or IBDM today to see how Foundations Home Loans’ expat range and flexible criteria can help your next case. By sharing details early with our RAMs, we can identify solutions faster and help move your clients forward with confidence.
FOR INTERMEDIARIES ONLY
