Suffolk Building Society has reported a significant increase in expat mortgage activity, with applications rising 102% in March and April 2026 compared with the same period last year.
The specialist lender also recorded a 140% increase in expat cases when comparing activity from the start of the conflict in Iran with the previous two-month period. Applications worth more than £1m increased by 33% year-on-year.
Charlotte Grimshaw, head of intermediaries at Suffolk Building Society, said several factors were contributing to the trend, including continued demand from younger British nationals working overseas who wish to retain a property presence in the UK.
Grimshaw said: “Expat lending is similar to standard UK lending in that there are all types of borrowers – first-time buyers through to those enjoying retirement abroad. The latest ONS data highlights emigration is highest among 25-34-year-olds, who are typically in prime property-buying years.
“There are several reasons why these expats choose to own a property in the UK, whether it’s as an investment (BTL) or wanting to maintain a residential property for family to reside in, or for when they finish working abroad and return home.
“Despite the conflict in the Middle East, we are still seeing a fairly consistent level of activity in the region. From our experience it’s attractive to younger applicants, (singles and couples) which could explain why we’ve seen no drop off in demand.”
The Society said applications from British nationals living in Gulf states remained stable compared with last year. While applications in 2025 originated from four Gulf states, in 2026 they were received from all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Suffolk Building Society said recent product development has strengthened its proposition, including the introduction of expat holiday let and expat self-build mortgages, alongside criteria enhancements and improvements to the customer journey.
Grimshaw added: “We know expats are anything but a one-size-fits-all group, and that these cases can be complex. Brokers can spend hours working with a client before an enquiry even reaches a lender, so this effort must not be wasted. Part of our success comes from always starting with the question, ‘How can we make this work?’
“Expat business can be a particularly rewarding area for brokers, both in terms of opportunity and long-term relationships. For any brokers thinking about dipping their toes in the water, finding a lending partner with a proactive, can-do approach will make all the difference.”