Over three quarters (77%) of UK mortgage brokers have reported increased demand from non-UK residents over the past five years, according to new research by Butterfield Mortgages.

The mortgage provider suggested the growth underscores the sustained appeal of the UK property market among international buyers.

Butterfield’s findings, based on a study of 300 UK-based mortgage brokers carried out by Censuswide, revealed respondents are now seeing interest from every continent.

Australia and Oceania led the list at 49%, potentially reflecting growing expat interest from markets such as Australia and New Zealand.

This was followed by Central America and the Caribbean (45%), alongside significant activity from Europe (39%) and Africa (36%). Meanwhile, 32% cited clients from Far East Asia, 25% from North America, and 4% from South America.

Butterfield Mortgages CEO, Alpa Bhakta, said its data had shown that UK property “continues to attract a truly global range of investors”.

“Following months of speculation about the appeal falling away due to tax changes, it’s clear that the resilience of bricks and mortar remains,” Bhakta added.

“To see Australia and Oceania cited as the region generating the most demand was surprising but underlines just how diverse the interest now is. As a result, brokers are navigating an increasingly wide range of client needs and market complexities.

“That’s where lenders have a vital role to play. Providing clear communication, flexible lending solutions and the right specialist expertise can make all the difference in helping brokers support their clients and ensuring international buyers can access the finance they need.”

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