HSBC UK expands global portfolio with additional Buy-to-Let mortgage options

HSBC UK is expanding availability of its international Buy-to-Let mortgages by offering residents from an additional five markets the option to invest in the UK property market, the bank has announced.

In a significant expansion of its international services, HSBC UK is now extending its Buy-to-Let mortgage range to residents of Egypt, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar and Taiwan, allowing a broader range of customers to invest in the UK’s property market through the bank’s Buy-to-Let and residential property mortgages.

Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, UAE, USA, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Jersey can also access the bank’s international services.

For the first time, international Buy-To-Let mortgages will also be accessible to mortgage brokers.

Chris Pearson, Head of Intermediary Mortgages at HSBC UK said: “Our broker partners provide us with a critical barometer around how we shape our proposition in order to help even more customers with their mortgage needs.

That’s why the introduction of an international Buy-To-Let offering, plus the incorporation of another five markets to our roster, will be a great addition to their suite of products. With HSBC’s global heritage, we are ideally placed to support our brokers in this market segment.”

Investments in the UK property market by international investors increased in 2023 with HM Revenue & Customs data stating that foreign buyers accounted for 1.4% of all property transactions in the year ending March 2023 – an increase of 20% on the previous year.

This increase in investment by non-UK residents comes as the private rental sector faces challenges with supply and demand, with rental prices increasing at pace. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows the UK’s annual private rental prices rose by 6.2% in the 12 months to January 2024¹.

Emma Hollingworth, Head of Specialist Lending at HSBC UK said: “Investment into the UK property market by overseas investors can help towards keeping the important balance between supply and demand, potentially helping keep a lid on rental prices, which is important at a time when cost of living challenges are still with us and maintaining financial resilience is key.

“We are excited to be expanding availability of our international BTL mortgages to brokers in addition to accepting applications from residents in five more markets.

“With demand for rental properties remaining high, we hope our expansion in the international Buy-to-Let market could open up new mortgage corridors and support growth in the private rental sector; whilst at the same time being a stable investment for our international customers.”