Obtaining a joint mortgage between a Brit and am American!

Hi,

Following our wedding in the USA, Kelly (American) will be moving back to the UK with me (British citizen) and we intend to purchase our first home together. I have worked myself in the UK for 5 years with the same company, but have so far lived in rented accomodation. Kelly has been offered an inter-company transfer, so will have a job straight away. Ideally we would like to purchase a home together before the wedding, but am a little concerned that a bank would not offer us a joint mortgage. With house prices as they are in the UK, we will likely need a mortgage based on a multiple of both our incomes. Has anyone else been in the same position? Any banks more or less helpful than others?

Any advice would be appreciated.
James

I should add that we have a significant deposit saved, so this is not an issue. Just need to find a sympathetic bank willing to give us a mortgage!

James

You should go to a mortgage broker or advisor, rather than to any single company or bank.   The mortgage advisor will have a whole list of lenders and should be able to source something for you.

Agree 100% with Q-G.

We couldn't get a bank to give us a joint mortgage, no matter who we tried.  Finally went to a mortgage broker, we were in his office 5 minutes and told him what we wanted, he made 1 phone call put down the receiver and said "Sorted, go find a house". We were so relieved. 

agree with all the posts above.  an independent mortgage advisor, one that has access to all possible mortages will be much more useful than going to individual banks.  they can also help with remortgaging in the future, etc.

one thing- if you have a significent deposit (greater than 25% house value), your choice of mortgage will increase.  you will probably be able to get a "better" deal (interest rate, etc) and you may be able to get a self-certifing mortgage which allows you to state your income w/o having to show payslips etc. 

So there's a chance of getting a mortgage based on the American half of hte income as well? (I was told a few weeks ago that most lenders were sceptical of the initial 2year visa, as it's not permanant, and don't want to lend money based on any income of that person...)

So there's hope for my income to count towards a mortgage??





(As long as we both find permanant jobs, that is!)