Yes, you can get a mortgage on a Florida villa from the UK. Lenders that finance foreign nationals use your passport, UK bank statements and bank references instead of US credit. Expect a bigger deposit and a higher rate than a UK mortgage.
UK words, US words
- Deposit is the US "down payment".
- Mortgage in principle is close to a US "pre approval". It is a lender's early yes, based on your documents.
- Completion is the US "closing".
- Letting it out is "renting it", and a holiday let is a "short term rental".
Where UK buyers look
Most British owned villas around Orlando sit in resort and pool home areas south and west of the parks. Our local guides cover Davenport, ChampionsGate and Storey Lake, Kissimmee and Davenport and Haines City vacation rentals. Rental rules change from one address to the next, so check Florida short term rental rules before you choose.
How the loan works
If you plan to let the villa, a DSCR loan can qualify it on its expected rent instead of your UK income. If it is only for family holidays, lenders look more closely at your income and savings. Either way, plan for reserves in the bank after completion.
Paying in pounds
Your deposit and closing costs are paid in US dollars. Move money through your bank or a regulated currency transfer firm, and start early. Keep a clear paper trail, because the lender will ask where every large deposit came from.
Your name or an LLC
Many UK owners hold the villa in a US LLC. Lenders that allow it still ask for a personal guarantee. See buying in an LLC.
Tax, in plain words
US tax basics from the IRS: rental income from US property owned by a nonresident is taxed at 30% of the gross rent by default, unless you elect to be taxed on net income and file a US return (Form 1040-NR). When a foreign owner sells, the buyer generally must withhold 15% of the sale price under FIRPTA. See the IRS pages on nonresident real property and FIRPTA withholding. A cross border tax adviser can tell you how this fits with your home country.
Why British families buy here
Sun, a private pool and space for the whole family, near the parks.
Many owners use the villa for a few weeks a year and let it the rest of the time.
Back to Foreign national loans · buyers by country
Home Loans With Dane is a US mortgage broker. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice. Talk with a tax adviser in both countries before you buy.
Common questions
Can I get a mortgage on a Florida villa from the UK?
Yes. Some US lenders finance UK buyers without US credit. Expect a bigger deposit and a higher rate than a UK mortgage.
Can the rent help me qualify?
Yes, with a DSCR loan, if the villa will be let. The lender qualifies the property on its expected rent.
Do I need a US bank account?
It helps. Lenders want to see funds in, or clearly moving to, a US account before completion.