Buying property in UK while still living in the US

[Johnny Spangle 0]

Does anyone have experience of buying property "back home" in the UK?

I emigrated from the UK to the US in 2006 after a successful petition by my US wife, and I became a full citizen in 2012. I love being here (despite the Ohio weather!) but I know one day I'd like to return to the UK. My mum is getting older and will need more support one day, and there's no chance she'd move overseas. Also it will be an opportunity for my wife to take up UK/European citizenship, which may aid in our own retirement plans in years to come (vague as they are).

Initially I was thinking I would consider buying a home when I moved back, but recently my thinking has been I would buy now to let out the property, and have the property as a form of income in the meantime. So:

• Has anyone bought in the UK while still resident in the US?
• Are you able to get a mortgage loan from a US institution, or must it be from a UK institution (the US rates and terms are far more favorable)?
• Are their particular rules / gotchas for buyers from outside the UK?

Thanks in advance!

Edited March 18, 2014 by Johnny Spangle

[shell20 746]

Does anyone have experience of buying property "back home" in the UK?

I emigrated from the UK to the US in 2006 after a successful petition by my US wife, and I became a full citizen in 2012. I love being here (despite the Ohio weather!) but I know one day I'd like to return to the UK. My mum is getting older and will need more support one day, and there's no chance she'd move overseas. Also it will be an opportunity for my wife to take up UK/European citizenship, which may aid in our own retirement plans in years to come (vague as they are).

Initially I was thinking I would consider buying a home when I moved back, but recently my thinking has been I would buy now to let out the property, and have the property as a form of income in the meantime. So:

• Has anyone bought in the UK while still resident in the US?
• Are you able to get a mortgage loan from a US institution, or must it be from a UK institution (the US rates and terms are far more favorable)?
• Are their particular rules / gotchas for buyers from outside the UK?

Thanks in advance!

I am afraid I don't have any answers to your questions, but I do find this topic interesting. I didn't realise that by becoming an American Citizen you don't necessarily give up your rights as a British one. I have to smile though because you spelt favorable the American way. Any way, good luck,, I hope you get the answers you are looking for!

[Johnny Spangle 0]

I did resist the temptation to write mom instead of mum You are right, Westminster doesn't require you give up UK citizenship if you gain another. From a US point of view one is expected to, but not required to. It's an interesting grey (or gray!) area.

[shell20 746]

I did resist the temptation to write mom instead of mum You are right, Westminster doesn't require you give up UK citizenship if you gain another. From a US point of view one is expected to, but not required to. It's an interesting grey (or gray!) area.

Funny! It's very interesting to know though, as my fiance and I have discussed perhaps coming back to England when his children are grown, but that is a long way off.. We need to start with the basics first, like finally getting married ,then I need to experience the weather in Pennsylvania (all that snow) whilst learning American/English. Lol