Bank of China is a specialist, international bank offering mortgages in the UK. They are not a mainstream high-street lender for the general public.
Their primary focus is on providing mortgages to clients with a strong existing financial connection to China. This includes Chinese nationals living in the UK, or high-net-worth individuals who can meet their specific criteria.
If you have seen rates available from Bank of China and want to see how they compare to the mainstream UK market, you can use our free mortgage sourcing tool below:
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Who are Bank of China?
Bank of China is one of the largest banks in the world. In the UK, they operate as a niche lender with a small number of branches, primarily in major cities like London and Manchester.
Their key strength in the UK mortgage market is their ability to bridge the financial gap between China and the UK. They have the expertise to understand and verify income and wealth from mainland China, which is something most UK-based lenders are unable to do. This makes them a vital lender for a very specific group of borrowers.
What are they known for?
Bank of China's reputation is built on its cross-border capabilities. They are the go-to lender for:
Using Chinese Income and Assets
This is their unique selling point. They can consider income paid in Chinese Yuan (CNY) and assets held in mainland China as part of a UK mortgage application. This is invaluable for:
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Chinese nationals working in the UK on specific visas.
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UK residents who earn some or all of their income from China.
Mortgages for Chinese Nationals
They have a deep understanding of the circumstances of Chinese citizens looking to buy property in the UK, whether it's a main residence or a buy-to-let investment. They can navigate the complexities of international income and different visa types.
Buy-to-Let for Overseas Investors
They are a key lender for Chinese investors looking to purchase UK rental properties. Their ability to work with overseas clients and foreign income makes them a natural choice for this market.
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Pros and Cons of a Bank of China Mortgage
Pros:
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Accepts Foreign Income: A major advantage for those earning in CNY or with assets in China.
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Understands the Target Client: Deep expertise in the financial circumstances of Chinese nationals.
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Trusted Global Brand: A familiar and trusted name for clients with links to China.
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Buy-to-Let Focus: Strong proposition for overseas investors.
Cons:
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Very Niche Audience: Their products are not designed for the average UK borrower with UK-based income.
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Complex Application Process: Applications often require more documentation than a standard UK mortgage, including notarised and translated documents.
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Larger Deposits Often Required: They typically require a larger deposit (lower LTV) compared to mainstream UK lenders.
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Limited Branch Network: Very few physical branches in the UK.
How to apply
Bank of China accepts applications both directly and through a select panel of mortgage brokers who specialise in foreign national mortgages.
The best first step is usually to make direct contact with one of their UK branches (e.g., in London, Manchester, Birmingham, or Glasgow) to discuss your eligibility. A specialist mortgage broker can also guide you through their specific requirements and package your application for you, and this is the ideal way to make an enquiry with them.
Get started here to take advantage of a free, no-obligation chat with a mortgage broker who specialises in Bank of China’s product line and has a deep working relationship with them.