Asking this on behalf of a friend who has lived and worked in Belgium as a lawyer (independent) for many years. She can put down a good deposit, is a first-time buyer, has a regular income, has parents and a sister who have lived in the home counties for decades and yet is finding it difficult to get a mortgage for a house in Kent because she is not resident in the UK (she currently rents a flat in Antwerp).
She is being told by banks that she would have to live in the UK for a year and provide verification of her income during that time in order to meet their mortgage criteria. (Apparently, this would be the case if she was working as a freelance builder in Newcastle and was trying to relocate to Kent.)
I know banks must be clamping down because of the Northern Rock debacle, but in doing so they are missing out on bona fide clients such as my friend who is one of the safest bets going.
Has anyone been in a similar situation or does anyone have any ideas, suggestions or advice as to how she might get around this? She wants to buy a house in the UK to be nearer to her parents who need more help as they get older. Thanks!!