Getting a mortgage in Hong Kong as a UK buyer

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Decisions related to tax should be made after thorough research, consultation and verification from a qualified financial and legal advisor.

Buying a property in Hong Kong from the UK? Unless you have the cash upfront, you may need to secure some financing.

In this helpful, practical guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a mortgage in Hong Kong as a UK buyer. This includes the steps involved in the application process, eligibility requirements, and what documents you’ll need. Plus, the fees and costs involved, and the current mortgage rates in Hong Kong.

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Can you get a mortgage in Hong Kong as a non-resident?

Yes, banks and lenders in Hong Kong do offer mortgages to foreign nationals and non-residents.

However, you might be asked for more paperwork or face stricter lending criteria as a foreign buyer. You’ll need to be physically present in Hong Kong in order to sign the paperwork.¹

Also, you may only be able to get a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of around 70%.¹ This means you’ll need a slightly larger deposit than perhaps you’re used to when buying property in the UK.

Getting a mortgage in Hong Kong from the UK after Brexit

The UK leaving the European Union (EU) has had no effect on the process or eligibility requirements related to Hong Kong mortgages.

There are minimal restrictions on foreign nationals applying for financing from Hong Kong banks and lenders, no matter whether they’re from the UK, EU or anywhere else.

Mortgage eligibility criteria for UK citizens in Hong Kong

To be eligible for a mortgage in Hong Kong, you’ll usually need to meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum monthly income of 2-2.5 times the monthly repayment amount²
• Have a deposit of at least 30% - this may potentially be higher depending on your circumstances (for example, being a non-resident or having foreign-source income).¹

Lenders may also evaluate your application based on factors such as employment stability, age, credit history and existing debt obligations.

Is it easy to get a mortgage in Hong Kong?

If you meet the criteria, getting a mortgage in Hong Kong can be relatively straightforward - especially if you’re a resident. Be prepared for plenty of paperwork though.

However, there are some challenges that can make it more difficult.

For example, you may struggle to secure a mortgage if you have a poor credit history or high levels of debt. Some lenders may also be unwilling to lend to you if you’re self-employed or a digital nomad, or have just started a new business and don’t have many financial records.

And for non-residents, the process is usually more complicated, with more requirements for documentation or extra information. This can slow down the process.

Step by step guide on how to apply for a Hong Kong mortgage as a foreigner

To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a step-by-step look at the process of applying for a Hong Kong mortgage as a foreign national:³

1: Work out how much you can afford to borrow

Lenders such as HSBC have handy affordability calculators to help with this.

2: Apply for mortgage pre-approval

Getting an Approval-in-Principle (AIP) document from a lender will be extremely helpful when making offers on properties, as it demonstrates that you have financing in place and can afford the purchase price.

You’ll need to shop around for suitable mortgages, and then you can usually apply for pre-approval without any fees - and without needing a Provisional Agreement for Sale and Purchase (PASP) document.

3: Find a property to buy

Find a property within your budget and agree on a purchase price with the seller. Inform your mortgage provider, ready to take the next steps.

4: Apply for your mortgage

At this stage, you’ll officially apply for your mortgage. You’ll need to provide all the required details and documentation (we’ll cover what you’ll need in just a moment) and submit a full application.

The lender will usually carry out a valuation appraisal on the property, which is essential for securing the mortgage. An appraisal fee may apply.

5: Wait for approval

If your application is successful, you’ll be issued with a facility offer letter which sets out all of the details, terms and conditions of the mortgage. You’ll usually have a week or two to read through everything, accept the offer and sign the official mortgage deed/contract.

Your solicitor will carry out all the other legal work to complete the property purchase, including arranging with the lender to draw the mortgage loan and pay the outstanding purchase price to the seller.

Which documents do you need as a non-resident?

The exact documents you’ll need to apply for a mortgage in Hong Kong will vary between lenders.

But here’s an idea of what you’re likely to need:³

• Proof of ID
• Proof of address
• Proof of income - including bank statements for the last 3-6 months
• Proof of employment - such as an employment letter or contract which specifies salary
• Provisional Agreement for Sale and Purchase (PASP)
• Other property transaction documents - such as proof of deposit and eventually, the Title Deed

You may also be asked for documents relating to your credit history or other assets, debts and mortgages.

How long does it take to get a mortgage in Hong Kong?

The timeline for getting a mortgage in Hong Kong varies between lenders. Some offer instant or one day pre-approval decisions, while others take around 1-2 weeks for this initial approval stage.⁴

The entire process from pre-application to completion takes anywhere between 1 to 3 months.⁴

Fees and costs for getting a mortgage in Hong Kong

In most countries, there are a number of fees and costs to pay to get a mortgage. The good news is that many of these are waived by lenders in Hong Kong, so all you’ll really need to pay are your solicitor’s fees for legal work relating to the mortgage.

In some cases though, the lender may charge an application and/or a valuation fee. It’s a good idea to check this before proceeding with the application.

You may also encounter some of these other costs when applying for a mortgage in Hong Kong:

• Broker fees (if you’re using a broker) - these costs vary by provider, so you’ll need to get quotes.
• Transfer fees - if you need to make payments between countries to pay the deposit or the fees above, you may incur fees.

Read more: How to transfer large sums of money between bank accounts?

Hong Kong banks or lenders offering mortgages to foreigners

Most major banks in Hong Kong offer mortgages to both local citizens and foreign applicants. This includes:

• HSBC
• OCBC Bank
• Standard Chartered

Mortgage rates in Hong Kong

The majority of residential mortgages in Hong Kong track the volatile HIBOR (Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate), which as of 16th February 2026 was 2.46000%.⁵ These are known as H Plan mortgages.

However, there are also P Plan mortgages, which use the lender’s more stable Prime Rate (Best Lending Rate). This rate varies between providers, but as an example - HSBC’s best lending rate was 5% as of 29th January 2026.⁶

Can you get a UK mortgage to buy property in Hong Kong?

You might find it difficult (although not impossible) to get a mortgage in the UK to finance your property purchase over in Hong Kong.

Not many UK banks and lenders offer what are often known as ‘overseas mortgages’, so you’ll need to do some shopping around. Your best bet may be specialised international, expat or Hong Kong-based lenders.

You could also look at remortgaging an existing property you own in the UK, borrowing more to raise funds for your purchase in Hong Kong.

Crucially, you should only do this if you can afford the repayments. It could also be a good idea to seek professional financial advice first.

Read more: The best UK banks for sending money abroad

Do banks offer Buy-to-Let (BTL) mortgages in Hong Kong?

Yes, it’s possible to get a Buy-to-Let (BTL) mortgage in Hong Kong, and a few banks and lenders offer them. One example is HSBC, which has an Investor Mortgage aimed at people wanting to buy property to let out.

Refinancing a mortgage in Hong Kong

It’s also possible to remortgage a property in Hong Kong, which is useful if you want to switch providers to get better interest rates or restructure loan terms.

Refinancing can also help you borrow more money, such as to fund another property purchase without having to sell your first property.

You’ll just need to make sure you can afford the repayments and aren’t overstretching yourself.

Types of mortgages in Hong Kong

Here are the main mortgage types you can choose from in Hong Kong:

HIBOR-based Mortgage (H Plan)

This is the most common option, where interest rates are tied to the Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (HIBOR). These mortgages tend to offer lower rates, but they’re much more volatile - going up and down as the HIBOR fluctuates. However, most H Plan mortgages include a cap to protect against extreme fluctuations.

Prime-based Mortgage (P Plan)

P Plan mortgages are a more stable option, with a rate pegged to the bank's best lending rate (Prime Rate). They tend to be much less volatile than HIBOR-based plans, although interest rates are usually higher.

Fixed Rate Mortgage

Just like in the UK, fixed rate mortgages in Hong Kong lock in a specific interest rate for a set period, protecting against rate hikes.

Deposit-Linked Mortgage (Linked Bank Account)

Linked to a savings account, this type of mortgage allows the interest earned on deposits to offset the interest charged on the mortgage, effectively lowering overall costs.

Final tips for getting a mortgage in Hong Kong as a non-resident

To stand the best chance of getting accepted for a Hong Kong mortgage as a non-resident, bear these tips in mind:

• Try to build up a credit file or some form of financial footprint in Hong Kong, such as opening a local bank account. Having some form of international account which accepts Hong Kong dollars (HKD) can also streamline the payment process later on.
• Ensure you have a large enough deposit
• Get tailored advice about suitable mortgage products for non-residents and foreign applicants - this may mean paying a specialist broker for their services.
• Make sure you have all your documentation in order, especially relating to income, employment and savings.

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FAQs

How do Hong Kong mortgages work?

Hong Kong mortgages are tied to either the Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (HIBOR) or the lender’s Prime rate (P), so rates can fluctuate. It’s also possible to find fixed rate mortgages too. Otherwise, mortgages in Hong Kong work in much the same way as they do in the UK.

How much can you borrow for a mortgage in Hong Kong?

Non-residents can usually borrow up to 70% of the property value, but it may be possible to borrow more than this with mortgage insurance cover.

Which bank is best for foreigners in Hong Kong?

Most Hong Kong banks are used to dealing with foreign customers, but HSBC is perhaps the most popular choice for UK expats.

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Sources used:

1. HSBC - Buying Property in Hong Kong: A Guide for Overseas Buyer on Purchase and Mortgage
2. Oceanus Family Office - Hong Kong Mortgage Guide: Approval Criteria & Eligible Assets Explained
3. Instarem - How to buy property in Hong Kong as a foreigner
4. Jadeland - Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Mortgage in Hong Kong: Understanding LTV, HIBOR, and Application Processes
5. HSBC - Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (HIBOR)
6. AA Stocks - HSBC's Best Lending Rate Stays Put at 5%

Sources last checked on date: 16-Feb-2026