UK property has long been a popular asset for investors around the world and, over the past decade, we have seen this interest come from an increasingly diverse range of countries.
Türkiye is one such example. In recent years, we have worked with many clients from this country, providing buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages for their UK property investments. Each case is, of course, unique. But one theme is consistent: their circumstances mean that securing finance through traditional lenders is more challenging, and with the help of brokers, they need more specialist support.
In 2026, we have completed several news loans for Türkiye-based client. The three cases below how we approached the different challenges that have emerged and found a solution that worked for each borrower.
Two-bedroom apartment in South East London for retired couple
The first application came from a retired couple living in Türkiye. Following a career in banking, they wanted to diversify their investments and generate an additional income stream during their retirement.
The couple had found a two-bedroom apartment in Greenwich, South East London, but their retired status meant they were looking beyond traditional lenders for finance. Indeed, many lenders will place restrictions on older clients, causing obstacles for those looking to start or build a BTL portfolio in later life.
Rather than treating retirement as a barrier to lending, we considered their wider financial position and ability to service and repay the mortgage. On that basis, we were able to approve the application at 70% loan-to-value (LTV), and the couple successfully purchased the property.
Central London apartment for a university student
The second case involved a Turkish university student who wanted to purchase an apartment near Paddington Station in Central London. As a student, she had no income of her own, so was seeking an alternative to traditional lenders.
While assessing the application, RAW was able to consider her wider financial situation, in particular her father’s income and a cash gift from her mother. We also took the property’s expected rental income into account when assessing the affordability of the loan.
By considering these different sources of financial support and income, we were able to complete the mortgage at 55% LTV, enabling the student to purchase the property.
Buy-to-let investment property in North London for self-employed individual
The third application came from a married couple based in Türkiye: a self-employed real estate developer and a university lecturer. The couple were seeking a mortgage to help fund the purchase of a BTL property in North London.
Despite complex personal and financial circumstances, RAW promptly carried out due diligence, and we were able to approve the mortgage application at 65% LTV.
From payment of the commitment fee, the loan was completed within six weeks, enabling the couple to proceed with their investment.
A fast and flexible approach to overseas lending
These cases show why flexibility is so important when lending to property investors. An applicant’s employment status, income or family circumstances may not fit neatly within standard lending criteria, but that does not necessarily make them a low quality applicant.
When lending to non-UK residents, there can be added complexities involved in the KYC process – something we have developed deep expertise in, having specialised in lending to foreign nationals since our launch over ten years ago.
At RAW Mortgages, we look at the circumstances behind each application and consider the different sources of income and financial support to the borrower when assessing affordability.
Just as importantly, we understand that property transactions are time-sensitive, so we aim to provide a Decision in Principle within 24 hours of receiving a full application, and progress loans without unnecessary delays.
It’s an approach that allows us to support a wide range of overseas investors, including borrowers whose circumstances may make it harder to secure finance through traditional routes.
For brokers with international clients looking to invest in UK property, speak to a member of our team about how we could help.