Purchasing real estate with a tourist visa

1POSTS

2 years ago

Hello- I have started spending six months of my year each year in Scotland, returning to the United States to work the other six months of the year. I would like to purchase a flat here in Glasgow as my primary living space, and rent a small space in the US for the rest of the year.

This would be a cash purchase and I have no intention of attempting UK citizenship, accessing NHS or other benefits, etc. I would just rather buy here than in the States as it is far more affordable. I’ve spent half my year here for the last two years, living out of a suitcase. All of my income would be generated in the States.

I don’t want to rent as I would like to move my most important things here and make it my primary home. Honestly the suitcase is getting pretty old, along with paying for a storage unit in the States. The flat would sit empty while I am not here.

Has anyone tried such a thing? I understand I will need a UK bank account, and will likely need to sign a lease to establish a local address.

Possible?

Thanks - SUE

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Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

8126POSTS

2 years ago

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

There is nothing stopping you from buying property in the UK; put very simply, you find the property, make an offer, engage a lawyer to do the paperwork, once the legality is sorted, it's done. I've heard of examples of US citizens who work for the airlines who have done what you are contemplating.

Glasgow could be expensive, I'd try checking out places along the Central Belt to get a better deal. The Central belt is an imaginary line between Glasgow and Edinburgh that extends out to the coast at both ends; commuting is pretty common all the way along it.

A UK bank account will be a hurdle; my advice is to try speaking to HSBC who have branches in the USA and UK and see what your options are. A quick Google check tells me that the Bank of America may have an operation in the UK, best you ask around.

You should be aware that owning UK property does not give you any future rights to residency in the UK.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

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cortneyenloe Member

2POSTS

last year

We have done exactly that, and the first step is hiring a solicitor. I will say, they don't respond quickly (it took months for someone to reply to me) and I do believe that they are not super fond of selling to people from the states, but we understand they are fiercely protective of their country, so just remember that. Having said that, we purchased a very small and modest flat in Perth and we stay there 3-6 months a year. It is our second home. You will pay a very large second home tax yearly, but that's because we are not contributing to the economy on a full time basis, and that too is understandable. We do not have healthcare there, but I had emergency dental and paid out of pocket. You are already doing this and staying so that is good .. you have learned the Scottish way. They are wonderful people and the country is amazing.