Poland mortgages
Whether you’re looking to increase your property portfolio, just looking for a holiday home, or thinking of emigrating, then getting a mortgage in Poland, or any other foreign country for that matter can seem daunting.
Mortgage processes in the UK are quite different to Poland, which is why we have created this comprehensive guide to help you on your way, and at Loan Corp, we can make the process of obtaining a mortgage abroad quicker and easier while ensuring you get the best deal for your money.
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Can you get a property mortgage in Poland?
Yes, it is possible for both UK residents and expatriates to get a mortgage in Poland, provided all of the other criteria needed to obtain a mortgage are met.
These other criteria will be covered in more detail below, but you can rest easy knowing that as a UK citizen, you are eligible for a mortgage in Poland.
Will My Residency Status Make a Difference?
Your residency status will play quite a large role in how you go about getting a mortgage in Poland, as you will need to be earning some form of income from the country to be eligible for a loan from a Polish bank.
Thankfully, applying for a mortgage through a Polish bank is not the only option available to you, as you can also opt to get a mortgage from an international lender.
What are your borrowing options in Poland?
If you are interested in purchasing a Polish property, there are two options available to you when it comes to mortgage loans.
You can either take out an international mortgage or apply for a mortgage through certain Polish banks.
Here at Loan Corp, we can advise you on which lender and option will be best for you, but we’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both below:
International mortgage
If you plan on continuing to live and work in the UK after purchasing a Polish property, then going through a mortgage broker based in the UK who can refer you to an international lender might be your best bet.
Going with this option will allow you to choose from a larger selection of mortgage products offering more competitive interest rates. The process is also much quicker and easier than if you were to apply through a Polish bank as a UK resident.
One way to make the process significantly easier is by remortgaging your own home in the UK and purchasing your Polish home in cash.
An international mortgage ensures that your payments will not fluctuate as they will be in Pounds and will therefore not need to be converted.
Polish mortgage
Choosing to go with a Polish mortgage is definitely the more complicated of the two options, as there are far fewer mortgage products available to foreigners.
Foreigners are also considered to be higher risk than citizens, so they often receive a higher interest rate and high prices when it comes to mortgage payments.
Unfortunately, unless you already have an income in Poland or an employment contract stating that you work in Poland, you will not be eligible to apply for a mortgage from any Polish banks.
Full repayment mortgage loans are normally the only option available to foreigners as well; interest-only mortgages can only be secured if you want a home loan on a new build. Much like in the UK, Polish banks will normally loan up to 60 to 80% of the value of the property you want to purchase.
Another important thing to note is that you will need to pay to have all of your documents translated from Polish to English, and you will then have to pay again to translate them back, so be prepared.
What are the criteria for a mortgage in Poland?
As with a mortgage or loan in any country, there are certain criteria that need to be met before you are provided with capital by any lenders. Listed below are some of the more important criteria that need to be met:
Affordability
One of the most important things that all lenders will assess is your affordability, which basically regards whether or not you have enough money to cover your monthly payments and your mortgage interest.
Lenders in Poland generally stipulate that the outgoings of borrowers should not exceed 35% of their income.
While the same rules and percentages may not apply with international lenders, you will still not be provided with a mortgage or a loan that a lender does not think you will be able to pay back.
Credit history
Once again, as with any lender, your credit history will need to be checked before you can be provided with a loan, as they will need to determine whether they think you will pay back their loan in full or not.
Having a good credit score will give you a larger selection of lenders to choose from, which can help you get the best value for your money.
Thankfully, while having bad credit will limit your options, there are still some lenders that will provide borrowers that have bad credit with a mortgage loan.
If you have bad credit, then Loan Corp can still help you find a lender that will be able to provide you with some mortgage product options.
Deposit
If you plan on taking a mortgage out in Poland, you will need to put down a minimum of a 10% deposit, with some banks requiring a 20% deposit.
It will, however, be best to have at least a 20% deposit, as this will give you access to a wider range of lenders who could offer better interest rates.
What is the mortgage process in Poland?
The mortgage process in Poland is quite similar to how it is in the UK, but it will be slightly different for you if you are a foreigner interested in getting a mortgage from a Polish bank.
Find out the requirements
Foreigners can take mortgages out with Polish banks, so long as they work within the country or have an income in Poland; however, there are some extra requirements that need to be met.
Firstly, you will need the following documents:
- 3-6 months of bank statements
- Proof of earnings in Poland
- Proof of residency status
- Passport
You will also need a permit if you wish to buy a freestanding house or some land in Poland. If the property you are looking to purchase is instead in an apartment complex, then you will not need a permit.
Determine how much you can borrow
You will need to figure out how you can borrow before applying for a loan like a mortgage, so you should contact a mortgage broker in Poland to get an idea of how much you’ll be able to borrow and, therefore, spend.
Choose a property and sign a preliminary agreement
Once you have found a property within your price range, some banks in Poland will require you to sign a preliminary agreement before you can apply for a mortgage.
Choose a lender that is best for you
Choosing a lender can be difficult, especially if you aren’t too clued up about property law. Thankfully, Loan Corp can provide you with a variety of lenders and help you choose one that will be right for you.
Apply for your mortgage
Once you’ve chosen a lender that has the best mortgage offer for you, you can submit your application for a mortgage along with the supporting documents mentioned in the first step of the process.
Sign your mortgage contract
If you are happy with your mortgage offer, then all you need to do is sign the contract and meet your monthly repayments, and you’ll be all set.
FAQS
Is it expensive to live in Poland?
No, in fact, Poland is one of the cheapest places to live in all of the European Union, so if you are looking to save some money while still having full access to the rest of Europe, then you should definitely consider moving to Poland.
Is property cheap in Poland?
Properties in Poland are quite a lot cheaper than they are in the UK, even in the larger cities, so if you’re looking to scale up, or just purchase an investment property, then it’s a great time to purchase a property in Poland.
Do foreigners pay tax in Poland?
Yes, similarly to many other countries, foreigners working in Poland still have to pay tax on their income. Tax is usually calculated at 20% of your revenue.
Get Mortgage Advice From Loan Corp Today
If you are interested in applying for a mortgage in Poland, or any other country for that matter, then Loan Corp will be able to find the best lender for your situation.
Our mortgage brokers will be able to provide you with expert advice that should make purchasing a property in the UK or abroad a piece of cake.