Buying agents & estate agents for overseas buyers in the UK

Buying UK property from abroad means managing viewings, surveys, solicitors and exchange remotely — often across multiple time zones. These agents have specific experience acting for overseas buyers and can manage the entire process on your behalf.

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Real Estate Agencies providers

Every provider below has been reviewed by our editorial team before listing.

2 providers listed

Premium Estate Agency
Knight Frank

One of the UK's most established estate agency groups with offices across London, major cities and prime rural locations. Knight Frank has a dedicated international desk experienced in advising overseas buyers on UK residential and investment property — including remote purchasing, currency management and legal coordination.

International Buyer DeskLondon & UK-wideInvestment PropertyLettings & Sales
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National Estate Agency
EweMove

A modern, flexible estate agency operating across the UK with a strong reputation for customer service and transparent fee structures. EweMove uses local experts who manage both buyer and seller needs — well-suited to expats purchasing their first UK property who need clear, patient guidance at each stage.

Over 20,000 ReviewsUK-wide CoverageTransparent FeesLocal Experts
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All agency links on this page are direct editorial links. Moving to the UK does not earn a commission on these referrals. They are listed based on their experience with overseas and expat buyers.

Buying UK property from abroad: what overseas buyers need to know

There are no restrictions on foreign nationals or non-residents buying property in the UK — the market is genuinely open to overseas buyers. However, the process is more complex than for UK residents, and the right professional support makes a significant difference.

The buying process in England and Wales (Scotland's system is somewhat different) involves making an offer, instructing a solicitor for conveyancing, commissioning a survey, applying for a mortgage (if required), exchanging contracts and then completing. Exchange is the legally binding point — before then, either party can withdraw without penalty. This uncertainty is something overseas buyers sometimes find difficult to plan around.

For overseas buyers, the key advantages of using an agent with an international desk are: experience managing remote viewings via video call, established relationships with mortgage brokers who work with non-residents, and existing networks of solicitors experienced in overseas buyer conveyancing. Currency management is also an important consideration — a specialist FX provider rather than a high-street bank can save significant sums on the transfer.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) applies to all UK property purchases above £250,000. Overseas buyers also pay an additional 2% SDLT surcharge on top of standard rates. This should be factored into your budget from the outset.

CategoryHousing
Sub-categoryReal Estate Agencies
UK regulatorProperty Ombudsman / RICS
Buyer surcharge2% additional SDLT
Directory statusAccepting applications
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Common questions

Real Estate Agencies — FAQs

Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign nationals or non-residents purchasing UK property. The process is more complex than for UK residents — particularly around mortgage eligibility, Stamp Duty surcharges and conveyancing documentation — but with the right specialist professionals, overseas buyers complete UK property purchases regularly.
Overseas buyers pay an additional 2% SDLT surcharge on top of standard Stamp Duty Land Tax rates. For a £400,000 property, this adds £8,000 to the transaction cost. The surcharge applies to buyers who have spent fewer than 183 days in the UK in the 12 months before completion. Your solicitor will advise on the exact amount for your transaction.
Yes. Many overseas buyers complete UK property transactions entirely remotely — particularly in the new-build and buy-to-let sectors where video viewings and online legal processes are well-established. A buying agent with an international desk can manage viewings, surveys and legal coordination on your behalf. Having a trusted solicitor who works with overseas clients is essential.
An estate agent acts for the seller and earns commission when the property sells. A buying agent acts exclusively for you, the buyer — identifying suitable properties (including off-market stock), negotiating on your behalf and managing the process through to completion. For overseas buyers who can't be physically present, a good buying agent adds significant value and typically recovers their fee through negotiated savings on the purchase price.
In England and Wales, the average from accepted offer to completion is 12–16 weeks. This includes legal searches, surveys, mortgage underwriting and the chain of other transactions in a chain. Leasehold properties, complex chains and properties with unusual features can take longer. Chain-free transactions (e.g. new builds or purchases with cash) are typically faster.
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