Compare Mortgage Rates from Natwest International Against the Market

About NatWest International

NatWest International is the trading name of The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited. While it sits under the massive NatWest Group umbrella, it is headquartered in Jersey, not London.

This "offshore" status allows them to serve customers that the main UK bank cannot - such as British expats living in Dubai, Singapore, or the USA, or locals living in the Crown Dependencies.

Mortgage & Finance Products

Their lending is split into two very distinct categories: Local Mortgages (Islands) and Expat Mortgages (UK).

• 1. Expat Buy-to-Let (Investing in the UK):

  • Who is it for? UK nationals (and some foreign nationals) living and working abroad who want to buy an investment property back in the UK.

  • The "Gap": Most UK high-street banks refuse to lend to you if you live abroad because they cannot verify your foreign income easily. NatWest International specializes in this.

  • Currency: They accept income in many major global currencies.

  • Green Mortgages: They offer lower rates for energy-efficient properties (EPC A or B).

• 2. Local Residential Mortgages:

  • Who is it for? Residents of Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, and Gibraltar buying a home to live in.

  • Products: Standard fixed rates, trackers, and 100% mortgages (guarantor style) tailored to the local island markets, which often have unique legal housing restrictions.

• 3. International Banking (Savings/Current Accounts):

  • They offer Sterling, US Dollar, and Euro accounts for expats who want to keep money in a stable jurisdiction outside of their current country of residence.

Pros and Cons of NatWest International

Here is a balanced overview of choosing this lender.

Pros:

• The "Expat" Solution: If you live in Dubai or Hong Kong, trying to get a mortgage from a standard UK bank is a nightmare. NatWest International has a dedicated team that understands foreign payslips, tax-free allowances, and international addresses.

• Familiarity: You get the familiar NatWest branding and app technology (which is excellent), even though you are banking offshore.

• Local Knowledge: For residents of the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, they are a major local bank with physical branches and staff who understand local housing laws (like Jersey "Qualifie" status).

Cons:

• Protection Limits: Crucial Warning: Your money is NOT protected by the UK FSCS (£85,000 guarantee).

  • Instead, it is protected by the local schemes (e.g., Jersey Bank Depositors Compensation Scheme), which typically have lower caps (e.g., £50,000) and different rules.

• Strict Criteria: For Expat mortgages, the minimum loan sizes and income requirements can be high. They are not a "sub-prime" lender; they generally require a clean credit history and a substantial deposit (often 25%+ for expats).

• Slow Processing: Expat mortgage applications involve heavy compliance checks (money laundering / source of wealth). This can take significantly longer than a domestic mortgage.

Customer Service and Reviews

• Digital Experience: Customers generally praise the mobile app, which is effectively the same top-tier app used by the UK parent bank.

• Phone Support: Reviews are mixed. While the specialist Expat teams are knowledgeable, getting through to general customer service can involve long wait times, and operating hours may be aligned with UK time rather than your local time zone.

How to Apply

1. For Expats (UK BTL): You can apply directly via the website, but many expats find it easier to use a specialist International Mortgage Broker. A broker can ensure your foreign income documents are packaged correctly to avoid rejection.

2. For Locals (Islands): You can walk into a branch in St Helier, St Peter Port, Douglas, or Gibraltar, or apply online.

Get started here to book a free, no-obligation chat with a mortgage broker who specialises in NatWest International’s product range, can compare it against the market for you, and help you choose the right option.