Buying a House or Holiday Home in Florida From the UK (2026)

If you live in the UK and dream of owning a holiday home, villa, or rental property in sunny Florida, you're in good company.

This guide explains how British buyers can purchase a house in Florida from the UK, step by step, including how to get a US mortgage without US credit history.

Check Your Florida Home Purchase Eligibility as a UK Buyer

You'll also find the documents lenders ask for, how UK buyers use their Florida homes, and the US and UK tax rules to know before you buy.

Can people from the UK buy property in Florida?

Yes, they can! People from the UK and other countries can buy property in Florida. Florida's 2023 foreign ownership law (SB 264) restricts buyers from a short list of countries, such as China, but it does not apply to UK citizens.

In fact, if you're from the UK, you have the same chance to buy property in Florida as anyone from the US. Plus, you can get a loan to help pay for your place in Florida, as long as you meet the lender's requirements.

The cool part? You can get a loan even if you've never borrowed money in the US before. Some loan companies in Florida have special ways to help people from the UK who don't have a US credit record.

Want to learn more about buying a place in Florida? Look into this guide on buying a place in Florida when you're from another country.

Can a UK citizen secure a mortgage for property in Florida?

Absolutely! UK residents can get a mortgage for Florida properties even if they don't have US credit history.

Many international buyers still pay entirely in cash. In fact, 47% of foreign buyers of US homes paid all cash from April 2024 to March 2025 (National Association of Realtors), often because they weren't aware of the mortgage options open to them in the US.

Without needing a US credit history, British buyers can access foreign national mortgage financing from American lenders, letting them hold onto their cash for other investments that might yield higher returns.

A US mortgage lets you spread the cost over as long as 30 years in monthly payments.

This approach can be financially beneficial, especially if planning to lease the property. Rent could potentially cover, or even exceed, the monthly mortgage costs.

See If You Qualify for a Florida Mortgage From the UK

Guide for UK Citizens Buying Property in Florida

Step 1 - Choosing Your Florida Location

• Brits can buy property anywhere in Florida.
• Consider factors like proximity to beaches, local amenities, schools (if you have children), and potential for property appreciation.
• For those planning to invest, research local Florida property market trends.
• If you plan to rent your holiday home, check local short-term rental rules first. Many resort communities near Orlando, in Osceola and Polk counties, are zoned for holiday lets, while some cities restrict them.
• Consider property management for rental units, especially if you'll be managing from the UK.

Step 2 - Select a Florida Real Estate Agent Specialising in International Transactions

• It's vital to engage a realtor experienced in assisting UK buyers.
• Opt for agents with the CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) credential. They're trained to manage international deals and understand the needs of overseas clients.
• These agents may also offer multilingual support, understanding UK cultural expectations, and navigating Florida-specific regulations.

Connect with CIPS-accredited Florida agents – it's free!

Step 3 - Working with Your Chosen Agent

• Be ready to sign a written buyer agreement with your Florida agent. Since August 2024, these agreements are required before touring homes.
• Always read the agreement before signing. It spells out how your agent is paid.
• Sellers often still cover the buyer's agent commission in Florida, but it's negotiable, so confirm the terms upfront.

Step 4 - Understanding Florida Property Taxes

• No extra taxes for UK citizens buying Florida properties, unlike some countries.
• All owners pay annual property tax based on the home's assessed value and local millage rates.
• The homestead exemption and its cap on assessment increases are only available to permanent residents who live in the home full time, so most UK holiday-home owners pay the full rate.
• If you rent out the property, rental income is taxed by the US federal government (Florida has no state income tax), and short-term rentals also collect Florida sales tax and local tourist development tax.
• If you rent out or sell for a profit, be aware of potential UK tax implications.

Step 5 - Property Hunting in Florida

• Share your preferences with your agent.
• If you've identified a property, your agent will help with the acquisition process.
• If not, your agent can present online options and organize property viewings, including video tours if you're still in the UK.
• They'll also offer insights about local Florida amenities, transport, and what items typically come with a purchased house.

Step 6 - Making an Offer

• After finding your desired Florida property, your agent will provide price advice based on comparable local sales.
• You can negotiate the listed price.
• The seller can accept, decline, or counteroffer.
• If accepted, you're on track to owning Florida property!

Step 7 - Home Inspection

• A critical step is inspecting the property.
• An inspector evaluates the home's condition and identifies any potential issues.
• In Florida, also ask about the roof's age, a wind mitigation inspection, and a four-point inspection, since they affect homeowners insurance costs.
• Use your agent's recommendations for reliable Florida inspectors.

Step 8 - Securing a Purchase Agreement

• After inspection, finalize the purchase agreement with the seller.
• This legally-binding document details the agreed price and any other terms.
• You'll typically provide an earnest money deposit held in escrow, often 1%–10% of the sale price.
• Ensure the contract has provisions safeguarding you against unforeseen challenges, such as financing and inspection contingencies.

Step 9 - Title Report

• Once the contract is in place, get a title report.
• This report discloses the property's historical ownership and any liens.
• Ensure any existing liens are resolved before you take possession.

Step 10 - Mortgage Considerations

• For those not paying cash, a Florida mortgage without a US credit history is very achievable with the right lender.
• Foreign national loans are built for international buyers, including Brits. They typically require 25%–30% down and use your UK income and assets instead of a US credit score.
• If you're buying a condo, the lender will also review the building, so see our Florida condo loan guide.
• If the home will be a holiday let, a short-term rental DSCR loan qualifies you on the property's rental income.

Check Your Eligibility for a Florida Holiday Home Mortgage

If paying cash, wait for the title report before proceeding.

Duration of Property Purchase in Florida

• Cash buyers can typically get keys about 30 days post-contract signing.
• Mortgage buyers might take around 45–60 days.
• Coordinate with your agent if you need flexibility on these timelines.

Step 11 - Receiving Your Florida Home Keys

• Upon finalizing the sale, there'll be documents to sign.
• You don't need to fly over for closing; many UK buyers sign remotely with notarized documents.
• The seller will sign a deed transferring property ownership.
• This deed will list you as the owner and will be notarized.
• After all paperwork, collect your keys and enjoy your Florida home!

Documents Needed for British Citizens Seeking a Mortgage in Florida

Below is a straightforward list of essential documents for British buyers looking to secure a mortgage in Florida, whether you live in the UK or already live in the US:

For UK Residents Buying From the UK (Foreign National Loan)

• A valid UK passport.
• Proof of income, such as recent payslips and your P60, or SA302s and accounts if you're self-employed.
• Bank statements from the past two to three months, including the account holding your deposit.
• Proof of reserves, often six to 12 months of mortgage payments.
• A copy of your UK credit report or a reference letter from your UK bank.
• The latest mortgage statement for any UK property you own.

For Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)

• W-2 forms from the past two years (similar to a UK P60).
• Last month's pay stub (akin to a UK payslip).

For Temporary Residents (With a Resident Visa but Without a Green Card)

• W-2 form from the previous year (if you have one).
• Pay stub from the most recent month.
• Copies of your passport and visa.
• Bank statements from the past three months.
• A copy of your UK credit report.
• The latest mortgage statement for any UK property you own.

Guide for UK Citizens to Secure a Mortgage in the USA

For UK citizens unfamiliar with the US credit system, here's a simplified guide to obtaining a mortgage in the US:

Step 1 - Determine Your Budget

Start by figuring out what monthly payment you can handle.

Lenders use two measures - the front-end ratio (your monthly housing costs divided by your gross monthly income) and the back-end ratio (all of your monthly debt payments, including housing, divided by your gross monthly income).

Key Elements to Consider in Your Monthly Payment

• Principal and interest.
• Property tax.
• Homeowner's insurance.
• Any homeowners association fees.

Step 2 - Get Pre-approved

US lenders offer specific loans for UK citizens, called foreign national loans. These lenders might consider credit histories from outside the US.

Having a Pre-approval

• Helps real estate agents prioritize you.
• Assures sellers of your financial capability.

Step 3 - Organize Your Documents

You'll Need to Verify

• Identification - Copy of passport and relevant U.S. visa, if you have one.
• Income - Evidence of your earnings and employment details.
• Assets - Documents showing funds available for a down payment.

Additional Necessities

• Credit score or UK credit report.
• Information about your residence.

Step 4 - House Hunting and Making an Offer

• Partner with a realtor experienced in international deals. Preferably, one with a CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) title.
• After choosing a house, make your offer, which gets formalized in a purchase agreement.
• This process includes depositing earnest money, showing your serious intent to buy.

Step 5 - Start the Mortgage Application

• Review available mortgage types and rates.
• Decide on your down payment and loan term.
• Provide any additional documents required by the lender.
• You should receive a Loan Estimate within three business days of application, detailing potential loan terms and closing costs.

Step 6 - Lock in Your Interest Rate

• US mortgage rates can change daily.
• Consider locking in your rate to ensure it doesn't change before closing.

Step 7 - Loan Processing and Underwriting

• The loan processor prepares your application for the underwriter.
• The underwriter assesses your qualifications based on the lender's criteria and will approve or ask for more information.

Step 8 - Get a Home Appraisal

• An appraiser will evaluate the house to ensure its worth matches the purchase price.
• If the appraisal is lower than the offer, you can negotiate the price, cover the difference, or potentially back out.

Step 9 - Prepare for Closing

• At closing, sign your documents (in person or remotely), review your Closing Disclosure, and wire your funds.
• After signing the required documents, you'll receive the keys and become a US homeowner.

That's the process in a nutshell for UK buyers financing a US home.

Check Your Florida Home Purchase Eligibility From the UK

US Real Estate Purchased by UK Citizens

UK buyers are a steady part of the US housing market. Here's what the latest National Association of Realtors (NAR) data shows:

• From April 2024 to March 2025, the UK was one of the top five countries of origin for foreign buyers of US homes, making up 4% of all foreign buyers.
• Foreign buyers purchased 78,100 existing US homes worth $56 billion during that period, with a record median price of $494,400.
• Florida remained the top destination for international buyers, drawing 21% of all foreign purchases.
• Nearly half of foreign buyers (47%) paid all cash.

Usage of Florida Property by UK Citizens

UK buyers use their Florida properties in a few common ways:

• A major portion of foreign buyers, with UK citizens in the mix, acquire properties in the US for dual purposes - vacation homes and rental opportunities.
• Many British families buy villas in the Orlando area, near the theme parks, and rent them out as holiday lets when they're not visiting.
• Over half of UK buyers secure properties in the US for holiday getaways, rental returns, or a combination of both.
• A noteworthy segment of UK nationals also invest in US properties to establish their primary residence.
• Meanwhile, a more niche group from the UK looks to the US property market to accommodate students, perhaps for academic pursuits.

US Green Card for UK Citizens via Real Estate Investment

While UK citizens can invest in US real estate, buying a home for your own use doesn't qualify you for a visa or Green Card. British visitors can usually stay up to 90 days per visit under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA).

To live in Florida longer, UK citizens often look at the E-2 treaty investor visa, which requires investing in an active US business, or a Green Card through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

The EB-5 program requires an investment of at least $800,000 in a targeted employment area (or $1,050,000 elsewhere) that creates at least 10 US jobs. Within this program, there are two main pathways:

• Direct Investment - The investor takes a hands-on approach with their investment.
• Regional Center Program - Investors collaborate with a regional center that has received approval from the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).

Benefits of getting a Green Card this way include:

• Permanent residency status for the investor, their spouse, and any unmarried children under the age of 21.
• Access to more affordable educational opportunities within the US.
• After five years of holding permanent residency status, the opportunity to apply for full US citizenship.

Because the rules are complex, work with an immigration attorney who handles investor visas.

Once an individual becomes a Green Card holder or a US resident, they can access a range of mortgage finance options, akin to what's available to US citizens.

These include FHA loans and conventional loans, including loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

When applying for a mortgage as a Green Card holder, necessary documents include the Green Card itself, evidence of income, credit and employment history, and bank statements. Exact requirements vary by lender.

Tax Considerations for UK Buyers of Florida Real Estate

Florida Taxes for UK Property Investors

• UK residents who earn income in Florida, including rental earnings, need to pay US federal taxes.
• Luckily, Florida is one of the few states with 0 State Income Tax.
• By default, 30% of gross rent is withheld for US federal tax. Most UK owners instead choose to be taxed on net rental income (after expenses) at graduated rates, which usually results in a much lower bill.
• UK residents also report Florida rental income to HMRC, and the UK-US Tax Treaty provides relief so the same income isn't taxed twice.
• To file US tax returns, UK residents need a US tax identification number, either an SSN or an ITIN.

Handling Rental Income

• UK buyers can decide the tax treatment for their Florida property income, linking it, for example, to a US-based trade or business.
• To do this, they should complete the W-8ECI form and hand it to their rent payer or property manager.

Submitting Tax Returns

• UK nationals should file a 1040-NR tax return on time, which deducts expenses from the net income.
• An ITIN is essential for the 1040-NR submission.

Tax Aspects for UK Sellers of Florida Properties

• When you sell, the buyer generally must withhold 15% of the gross sale price under FIRPTA. Reduced withholding can apply in some cases, and you can claim back any excess when you file your US tax return.
• The profit from property sales faces a capital gains tax.
• US estate tax can apply to Florida property owned by non-residents, but the UK-US estate tax treaty provides relief for many British owners.

Strategies to Delay Tax Payments

• 1031 Exchange - UK investors can swap their property for a similarly or higher-valued one in Florida, deferring capital gains tax.
• Installment Sales - By receiving payments over time, UK sellers can delay tax payments until they collect the full property price.
• Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ) - Investing gains in a qualified opportunity fund (QOF) that invests in a designated community can defer tax. Investors generally reinvest their gains within 180 days of selling.

Because both US and UK tax rules apply, work with a tax advisor who knows both systems.

Bottom Line

Buying property abroad can feel daunting, but with the right guidance it's very doable.

With the right agent and lender, UK buyers can handle everything from choosing a location to financing a holiday home without US credit history.

Start Your Florida Holiday Home Purchase: Check Your Eligibility