The situation
An employee in Dubai wants to buy a London property while continuing to work in the UAE. Their remuneration includes base salary, a housing allowance and an annual bonus. They have not decided whether family will occupy the home immediately or whether it will initially be let.
What makes this more involved?
The intended use changes the finance brief. An employment package may include benefits that are paid directly by the employer or would stop after relocation. Currency conversion is also different from proving that a payment will continue.
How I would approach it
Resolve occupancy first
Confirm who will live in the property and when. Research a residential or rental route that matches the actual plan; do not select a product before this is clear.
Separate the employment package
Identify recurring cash salary, allowances, reimbursements and bonuses. Reconcile payslips, the contract and bank credits without assuming every package component is usable income.
Test the GBP payment plan
Consider exchange-rate movements, transfer costs and retained cash. Discuss a future move to the UK if it could alter employment, taxation or ongoing allowances.
What could change the plan?
What if the property is for a relative?
Tell the adviser and lender. Family occupation can affect the available product and regulatory treatment.
Is an AED salary treated like a GBP salary?
Not automatically. Currency acceptance and the amount used in affordability are lender-specific, even where earnings appear stable.
What this would establish
Match the mortgage research to the genuine property use and an evidenced income package, with an explicit plan for making GBP payments.
Should I decide how the property will be used before mortgage research?
Yes. Intended occupation or letting is a central part of identifying a suitable route.
Link to this answerEducational content reviewed 9 October 2026. Individual advice requires an assessment. Lender and policy criteria can change.
Further reading: MoneyHelper: buying a home. These references provide background information; they do not indicate acceptance of this example.