Only 27% of the Gen H panel think foreign affairs are easy to place, according to a survey by the lender.
Gen H Commercial Director Pete Dockar
Gen H says the findings point to gaps in systemic criteria that are excluding a large and growing group of potential homeowners.
When asked about the biggest obstacles to placing foreign mortgage applications, the brokers were largely on the same page in their frustrations.
Of the challenges mentioned, 51.3% of respondents said low maximum loan-to-values (LTVs), 47.8% said fewer options for lenders and 43.9% said restrictive criteria for eligible visa types.
Other challenges included restrictive criteria regarding time remaining on the visa, which was noted by 31.1% of respondents, and restrictive criteria regarding time in the country was mentioned by 30.7%.
Higher interest rates, thin credit files and minimum income thresholds were also identified as major barriers.
Gen H’s analysis of available criteria in the market shows that the average maximum LTV for foreigners is just 85%, and only then if the household earns around £75,000 or more.
Below that income limit, the maximum LTV decreases further.
The survey was completed by 295 real estate agents on the Gen H panel between May 11 and 20, 2026.
General H commercial director Pete Dockar said: These findings are revealing because they illustrate how slowly the sector is changing. We have had four years to prepare for the maturity of this cohort, and yet there has been little to no improvement in criteria among the Big 6 lenders.”
“The impression remains that this group is inherently riskier than people born here, but that is simply not our experience. What is true is that too many major lenders have lending policies that are a decade out of date. From a credit risk perspective, we believe that anyone with a track record of sustainable income and affordability should have the opportunity to access homeownership.”