Survey of UK brokers finds non-resident buyers most active from Australia and Oceania
Demand for UK property from overseas buyers has broadened across all major regions of the world, according to new research from Butterfield Mortgages.
The lender commissioned an independent survey of 300 UK-based mortgage brokers through Censuswide, focusing on activity from non-UK resident clients over the past five years. More than three quarters of brokers (77%) reported an increase in demand from overseas buyers during that period, suggesting continued international interest in UK real estate despite recent tax and regulatory changes.
Brokers identified Australia and Oceania as the most frequent origin of overseas clients, cited by 49% of respondents. This appears to reflect strong engagement from markets such as Australia and New Zealand, particularly among expatriate and internationally mobile borrowers.
Central America and the Caribbean followed closely at 45%, with Europe (39%) and Africa (36%) also noted as key regions of origin. Demand from Far East Asia was mentioned by 32% of brokers, North America by 25%, and South America by 4%, indicating that brokers are now dealing with enquiries from every continent.
“Our data shows that UK property continues to attract a truly global range of investors,” said Alpa Bhakta (pictured right), chief executive of Butterfield Mortgages. “Following months of speculation about the appeal falling away due to tax changes, it’s clear that the resilience of bricks and mortar remains.
“To see Australia and Oceania cited as the region generating the most demand was surprising, but underlines just how diverse the interest now is. As a result, brokers are navigating an increasingly wide range of client needs and market complexities.
“That’s where lenders have a vital role to play. Providing clear communication, flexible lending solutions and the right specialist expertise can make all the difference in helping brokers support their clients and ensuring international buyers can access the finance they need.”
For intermediaries, the research points to a more complex mix of client profiles, cross-border income structures and jurisdictional considerations. The findings also underline the importance of lender capabilities and criteria suited to non-UK resident borrowing, particularly in the prime and specialist segments.
Want to be regularly updated with mortgage news and features? Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, and industry events in your inbox – subscribe to our FREE daily newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
