The situation
A couple plan to move to Dubai for work and would like to retain their UK home. The home is estimated at £500,000 with a £300,000 residential mortgage, an indicative 60% LTV before fees. Their fixed rate has fourteen months remaining. They hope to let the property while away, but have not signed a tenancy or decided how long they will remain overseas. These hypothetical facts make the first question one of permission and purpose, rather than simply finding a new rate.
What makes this more involved?
A residential mortgage cannot be assumed to permit letting. The existing lender’s consent-to-let terms may restrict the arrangement or change its cost. Moving abroad can also affect future mortgage choices and insurance. At the same time, the couple need to fund relocation and accommodation in Dubai, so using their entire cash reserve to make the UK property look cheaper could leave the household stretched.
How I would approach it
Explain the intended move before committing
Record the expected departure, overseas employment, proposed tenants and likely duration. Ask the existing lender whether consent to let is available, how long any permission lasts and which conditions apply. Obtain a clear answer before the letting begins and tell the insurer about the change of use.
Compare consent with a suitable refinance
If a refinance is required or worth considering, assess an eligible rental route using the disclosed move and genuine letting plan. Compare the existing early repayment charge, all new costs and rental assessment. Confirm whether the personal circumstances require consumer buy-to-let treatment; moving out does not settle that classification alone.
Budget for managing the home from abroad
Set aside money for repairs, compliance work, managing-agent charges and a gap between tenants. Review UK rental-tax obligations and practical access for contractors. Agree who will respond to problems while the owners are overseas and what happens if their return date changes.
What could change the plan?
What if consent is only available for a limited period?
Build its expiry into the plan. A future refinance would still need to satisfy the criteria then available. Do not promise the tenants or household a longer arrangement on the assumption that permission will be extended.
What if the fixed rate ends while they are abroad?
Ask how consent affects product switches and other account changes with that particular lender. Diary a review in advance. The fact that the original mortgage was taken in the UK does not remove the need to disclose the new address.
What if they want to move back sooner?
Mortgage permission, insurance and possession of the property are separate questions. Get suitable legal advice on the tenancy and a lawful return plan. Do not assume a tenant must leave immediately when the owners decide to return.
What this would establish
Reach a lawful, affordable plan for the change in use before the letting starts. That might involve consent, an eligible refinance, a different departure timetable or deciding not to let. This example does not assume any lender will grant permission.
Is consent to let the same as changing to a buy-to-let mortgage?
No. Consent is permission from the existing lender under its own conditions. A new buy-to-let mortgage is a separate borrowing decision with its own eligibility, costs and assessment.
Link to this answerEducational content reviewed 13 October 2026. Individual advice requires an assessment. Lender and policy criteria can change.
Further reading: Nationwide: an example of consent-to-let conditions · HMRC: UK rental income while living abroad · FCA: property occupation and mortgage regulation. These references provide background information; they do not indicate acceptance of this example.