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Mortgage with ILR / Settled Status — Standard Market Access

Updated 27 May 2026

If you have ILR, settled status (EUSS), pre-settled status or Indefinite Leave to Enter — banks treat you the same as a UK national. Up to 95% LTV through the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme. Standard credit checks, no visa term constraints.

In short

With ILR or settled status you are on equal footing with UK citizens for mortgage purposes. All mainstream banks are available. Your credit file and income are the main factors — not your immigration status.

Check my credit history First-time buyer schemesDon't have ILR yet

01 ILR holders = standard market

  • All mainstream lenders: HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest, Halifax, Santander, Nationwide
  • Max LTV up to 95% via Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
  • No visa term restrictions on mortgage length
  • Standard LTI (4.49x baseline, up to 5.5-6x at some lenders)

Pre-settled status (EUSS) is also accepted by most lenders as equivalent, though some may request confirmation.

02 First-time buyer schemes — all available

  • Mortgage Guarantee Scheme: 95% LTV (5% deposit), max £600,000. Permanent since 15 July 2025.
  • Shared Ownership: buy 10-75% of the market value + pay rent on the rest.
  • First Homes: 30-50% discount from market price for first-time buyers in select areas.
  • Lifetime ISA: £4,000/year + 25% government bonus (max £1,000/year). Available to age 40. Requires UK residence, not citizenship.
  • Help to Buy: closed 31 October 2022. Legacy completions only.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) first-time buyer relief is based on first-time buyer status, not citizenship. ILR holder first-time buyers get relief up to £425k (0%) and £425k-£625k (5%).

03 Credit history is the main factor

  • 6 years UK credit history — ideal
  • Electoral roll registration — critical for credit score
  • No CCJs, defaults or bankruptcies in last 6 years
  • Credit card utilisation below 30%

Check for free: Experian (CreditExpert), Equifax (ClearScore), TransUnion (Credit Karma).

04 Right to Buy — for former council tenants

  • 3-year secure tenancy test — status-neutral
  • ILR holders fully eligible
  • Discount: £16,000-£34,000 depending on tenancy length and region

General information only, not financial advice. Lender criteria change — always verify current terms through an FCA-authorised mortgage broker.