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Buying Guides

IREIS insights in Buying Guides.

Knowledge Centre · Buying Guides · 27 articles

A modern London new-build residential development — the right due diligence protects overseas buyers from the most common risks

How to Choose a London New-Build: 8 Criteria Every Overseas Buyer Should Check

With UK construction insolvencies at record levels in 2026 and Building Safety Act delays affecting many high-rise schemes, choosing a London new-build requires more than liking the floor plan. IREIS Properties walks overseas buyers through the eight criteria that separate a sound development from a risky one — from developer financial standing and NHBC warranty structure to contract long-stop dates, Gateway 2 compliance and tenure terms.

A vibrant facade of colorful Victorian terrace homes in a city street.

UK Property Guide for Taiwanese Buyers

The authoritative guide for Taiwanese buyers purchasing residential property in the UK. IREIS Properties 海瑞萬仕 covers the full buying process, SDLT and CGT tax obligations, the best London investment zones, and how our bilingual team supports overseas buyers from Taiwan from initial enquiry through to post-completion letting management.

Parents and a solicitor signing a deed of trust for a UK student child property purchase

Deed of Trust for Parent and Student Child UK Property: 2026 Guide

When parents fund a UK property registered solely in their student child's name, a deed of trust is the legal document that formally records who holds the beneficial interest — protecting the parents' financial contribution against future uncertainty. IREIS Properties explains what a deed of trust is, when it is needed, how it interacts with stamp duty, inheritance tax and capital gains tax, and how it differs from a JBSP mortgage.

A modern London apartment building near a university, suitable for a student buyer

Can I Put a UK Property in My Student Child's Name? A Parent's Guide (2026)

Overseas parents funding a UK property for a student child can register the legal title solely in the adult child's name — with significant stamp duty and tax advantages compared with joint ownership or a parent-only purchase. This guide from IREIS Properties covers the 183-day SDLT residency test, first-time buyer relief, the Declaration of Trust that protects a parent's contribution, and the income tax, CGT and inheritance tax picture across the full ownership period.

A row of London terraced houses on a residential street

Shared Ownership in London: A First-Time Buyer's 2026 Guide

With the Bank of England base rate held at 3.75% and a more buyer-friendly model lease now standard on new homes, Shared Ownership remains one of the most realistic routes onto the London property ladder in 2026. This guide explains how it works, what the new model lease changed, the costs beyond your mortgage, and how staircasing lets you grow your stake over time — so you can decide whether it fits your plans.

London's financial district skyline — home to the international banking divisions that serve most non-resident mortgage applicants

Which UK Banks Lend to Non-Residents? Deposits, Lenders and Requirements in 2026

The short answer: most UK high-street banks have exited the non-resident lending market, leaving overseas buyers to choose between international banking divisions, specialist lenders, and private banks. IREIS Properties explains which institutions actively lend to non-residents in 2026, what deposit they require — typically 25–40% — how foreign income is assessed, and what Taiwanese, Hong Kong and Singapore buyers specifically need to prepare before applying.

Modern London residential apartment building exterior showcasing leasehold new-build property

UK Leasehold Service Charge Guide for Overseas Buyers 2026

Nearly every London new-build apartment is leasehold — meaning buyers pay an annual service charge on top of their mortgage. In 2025, London's average stands at £2,801 per year; luxury concierge buildings can exceed £10,000. IREIS Properties breaks down what service charges cover, how to evaluate them before buying, new protections under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, and how to challenge unreasonable charges — essential reading for Taiwan-based overseas buyers.

Classic red brick terraced houses in a residential district of London, UK.

How to Choose a London Estate Agent: 7 Keys

For Taiwan and Hong Kong buyers, the single most important rule for choosing a London estate agent is this: find an adviser who is physically based in London, communicates in your language, holds regulated professional status, and can handle everything from viewings and negotiation to handover snagging and long-term lettings management. This guide gives you 7 keys and a practical checklist for choosing the right partner when buying from abroad.

A quiet residential street of terraced houses in London — typical of the properties UK first-time buyers aspire to.

Lifetime ISA 2026: The UK First-Time Buyer's Complete Guide

The Lifetime ISA offers a 25% government bonus on up to £4,000 of savings per year — but the £450,000 property cap and punishing withdrawal penalty trip up thousands of buyers annually. With HM Treasury's June 2026 consultation signalling a replacement scheme in 2028, here is everything UK first-time buyers need to know right now.

Charming Georgian terraced houses in England with ornate balconies and arches.

How Overseas Buyers Purchase UK Property

Overseas buyers face no legal restrictions on buying residential property in England and Wales. This complete 2026 guide from IREIS Properties covers eligibility, the eight-stage buying process, mortgage financing for non-residents, the Stamp Duty non-resident surcharge, rental income tax under Section 24, Capital Gains Tax for the 2026/27 tax year, the Renters' Rights Act 2025, and how to choose a specialist agent for Taiwanese and overseas Chinese buyers.

Modern London residential building suitable for international student property purchase

Can International Students Buy UK Property and Rent It Out? 2026 Complete Guide

Overseas students on a UK Student visa face no legal prohibition on purchasing residential property or receiving rental income. This guide covers student visa rules on property ownership, Right to Rent obligations as a student landlord, how to document source of funds for a parental gifted deposit, mortgage options (JBSP, cash, specialist lenders), and the tax obligations that follow — stamp duty, Non-Resident Landlord Scheme, and the 60-day CGT reporting rule. IREIS Properties advises Hong Kong and Taiwanese families on every step of this process.

A modern new-build apartment building in London, typical of the type purchased by families using a JBSP mortgage arrangement

JBSP Mortgage: Parents Helping Children Buy

A Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) mortgage lets parents combine their income with an adult child's to boost buying power — while keeping only the child on the title deed. This matters for stamp duty: a parent who already owns a home is generally not subject to the additional dwelling surcharge if they are not named on the title. IREIS Properties explains how JBSP works, which lenders offer it, the risks co-borrowers carry, and how overseas parents can structure the arrangement effectively.

Elegant London townhouses with ornate balconies and lush greenery.

Complete Guide to Viewing Property in London: What Taiwan Buyers Need to Know

A complete guide for Taiwan-based buyers viewing property in London: financial preparation, on-the-day inspection tips, due diligence, and the five most common pitfalls to avoid — with expert support from IREIS Properties throughout.

Warmly lit London townhouse exterior at dusk, representing an overseas buyer completing a UK purchase remotely

Can You Buy UK Property Without Visiting? A Remote Buyer's Complete Guide

Yes — overseas buyers can complete a UK property purchase entirely remotely, without ever setting foot in Britain. IREIS Properties explains the three pillars that make it possible: power of attorney, source of funds, and remote signing.

Exterior of a typical London leasehold apartment building

How Many Years Left on a UK Leasehold Is Safe? What Happens Below 80 Years

The number of years remaining on a leasehold is one of the most overlooked yet financially critical figures for overseas buyers. Once it falls below 80 years, current UK law triggers "marriage value" and the cost of extending the lease rises sharply. IREIS Properties breaks down the 80-year threshold, the real status of the 2024 reform, and how to protect yourself before you sign.

An elegant London townhouse — the kind of home many families buy for their children to hold long term

Buying UK Property for Your Children

What parents must know before buying UK property for a child: outright gifts, parent–child joint ownership (joint tenants vs tenants in common), the deed of trust, source-of-funds evidence (MLR 2017), how naming a parent affects stamp duty, cross-border gift and inheritance tax, and rules on minors. A complete guide from IREIS Properties' London advisers.

A row of London terraced houses — where overseas buyers complete their UK purchase

How to Buy UK Property from Abroad

The complete UK buying process for overseas buyers: completing remotely, financial preparation and non-resident mortgages, finding and viewing, offer and negotiation, appointing a solicitor and AML source-of-funds checks, exchange vs completion, surveys and off-plan risk, transferring funds and stamp duty. IREIS' London advisers break down the England & Wales process step by step.

London's Canary Wharf financial district skyline at dusk

How Overseas Buyers Get a UK Mortgage: Non-Resident Guide 2026

Can a non-resident borrow to buy UK property? Yes — through a specialist lending market with its own rules. IREIS Properties explains deposit and income requirements, currency matching, the step-by-step application timeline, and the tax and stamp-duty points overseas buyers in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and beyond should plan for in 2026.

A modern new-build apartment development in London

How IREIS Properties Vets UK New-Build Developments

Most overseas buyers see a glossy brochure and a launch price — they rarely see the developer's track record, the lease terms, or the realism of the rental projections. This guide explains how IREIS Properties screens UK new-build developments before recommending them to Taiwanese and overseas Chinese buyers: the developer and warranty checks, the tenure and ground-rent review, the location and connectivity assessment, and the pricing and service-charge scrutiny that separate a sound long-term asset from a brochure promise.

A row of vibrant Georgian-style doors on a classic British street featuring black, purple, and blue doors.

London Property Viewing Checklist for Overseas Buyers 2026

A practical London viewing checklist for overseas buyers: what to prepare, what to inspect on site, how to judge the area, and how to make a solid offer.

Historic red brick cottage with chimney tops peeking above a weathered stone wall, evoking classic English architecture.

Why Taiwanese Buyers Trust IREIS Properties for London Homes

Buying a London home from Taiwan or Hong Kong is daunting when contracts, taxes and completion all happen in a different language and time zone. This guide explains how IREIS Properties acts as a trusted Mandarin-speaking bridge for overseas Chinese buyers, offering end-to-end guidance from property search through to completion.

Elegant row houses with classic architecture on a sunny street in Bristol, UK.

London New-Build Homes: A First-Time Buyer’s Guide for 2026

A practical guide for first-time buyers considering a new-build home in London in 2026. Covers the Freedom to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme, Shared Ownership, NHBC warranty protection, and the new-build purchase timeline.

Black and white photo of historic workers' cottages in King's Lynn, UK. Classic architectural style.

Step-by-Step UK Property Buying Guide for Overseas Investors 2026

A complete step-by-step guide for Taiwanese, Hong Kong, and overseas Chinese buyers looking to purchase UK property remotely. IREIS Properties explains reservation, exchange of contracts, solicitor selection, SDLT, and the completion process — so you know exactly what to expect before you begin.

Vibrant yellow and blue townhouses in London, United Kingdom.

Client Testimonials | Real Reviews · IREIS Properties

18 five-star reviews from Taiwanese and overseas clients: buying for children at UCL, retirement planning, relocation and lettings with IREIS Properties.

Explore the heritage of the Tudor Ordsall Hall, a historical venue in Salford, England.

How IREIS Helps Taiwanese Buyers Purchase UK Property Remotely

IREIS helps Taiwanese buyers purchase UK property entirely from Taiwan — search, video viewings, negotiation, solicitors and key handover, step by step.

Charming residential facade featuring ornate doorway and steps in Notting Hill, London.

First-Time Buyer Mortgages in London 2026

With the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme now permanent and major lenders cutting rates on 95% LTV deals, 2026 marks a turning point for London first-time buyers. Here’s what you need to understand about mortgages, the First Homes Scheme, and your NHBC warranty before you commit.

Front view of traditional English brick house with colorful rose garden in Salisbury, England.

London School Catchment Area Property: Complete Guide for Taiwanese Buyers

Considering buying a school catchment area property in London? This complete guide for Taiwanese and Asian buyers covers how the UK admissions system works, the top London catchment zones, the buying process and investment returns — everything you need to purchase with confidence.

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