HSBC international mortgage: Details and how to apply

An international mortgage can help you finance a property overseas. Whether you’re moving your family to the UK or investing in India, some US providers support mortgage loans for overseas relocation.

We’ll take a look at everything you need to know about HSBC® international mortgage, including key benefits, loan types, fees, and exactly how to apply for your mortgage.

We’ll also look at Wise – your international money transfer alternative. Send money to over 140 countries across the globe with just the touch of a button. Let’s dive in!

Table of contents
What is an international mortgage? Can you get an international mortgage from HSBC? Benefits of HSBC international mortgage HSBC international mortgage eligibility requirements Buying property abroad? Send money the hassle-free way with Wise How to apply for an international mortgage with HSBC What to consider when getting an international mortgage

What is an international mortgage?

So, what is an international mortgage? Also known as an overseas mortgage, an international mortgage refers to a mortgage loan on property outside the US.

You may need an international mortgage if:

• you want to move overseas
• you want to invest in property outside the US
• you’re a US citizen abroad who wants to buy a house back in the states

You may want to take out a mortgage at an overseas lender in your country of choice, but there are many benefits to choosing a local US provider for your international mortgage.

The mortgage process is typically quicker, as some foreign mortgages may have a more complicated application process. You may also need to meet restrictive eligibility requirements for your overseas mortgage – and these criteria will be different in each country.

You can often use your US credit score to qualify for an international mortgage at your local bank, which can speed up the approval process.

You can also apply for your mortgage in your own language and make repayments in US dollars.¹ This could help you save on expensive currency exchange charges abroad.

It’s possible to get a mortgage in the US if you’re a US citizen living abroad – and mortgage lender America Mortgages® offers this type of loan for US expats overseas.

You can use your international income to qualify for your loan back in the US or access special expat rates and deals.²

This may be a good option if you’re a US expat currently living overseas who wants to buy property back in the States.

Can you get an international mortgage from HSBC?

You can apply for an HSBC international mortgage to buy property abroad as an American.

HSBC international mortgage covers at least 9 different countries, including:
the UK Australia the UAE mainland China India Malaysia Singapore Hong Kong

You can access a range of international mortgages from HSBC, including residential property loans. Speak to an HSBC bank representative about the best mortgage type for you.³

Release equity in your home

If you want to finance a move abroad, you can also choose to release equity in your US home.

Equity is how much of your home you actually own, so the portion of your mortgage you’ve already paid back. By releasing equity in a property, you can free up some of your home’s value in cash to fund your move overseas.

However, this may come with added fees, repayments, and restrictions. Make sure to speak to HSBC before going ahead with your refinancing.¹

HSBC expat mortgage

If you’re a US citizen currently living outside the US, you may be able to take out an HSBC mortgage to buy a property back in the states.

Foreign nationals can also apply for loans up to 75% of the appraised property value or purchase price at HSBC.

There are a range of different loans for properties in the US, depending on what you need. The HSBC Preferred Mortgage, for example, is aimed at borrowers with combined personal deposit investment balances from 10,000 USD to 75,000 USD.

The HSBC Summit Mortgage is for borrowers who want to access up to 10 million USD in financing for their new home.⁴

You’ll need to speak to an HSBC representative for more information on available loan products and HSBC’s international mortgage rates.

Benefits of HSBC international mortgage

HSBC international mortgages come with a few exclusive benefits.

You’ll get access to property search support through HSBC’s partner, JLL®, for example. This includes property market insights, 1 to 1 consultations, and support with property maintenance and management.

HSBC also offers services and special offers from third-party partners, such as tax solutions, translation, and relocation services.³ These services can support the moving process and ensure you get the best deal.

Choosing HSBC can also help you avoid expensive foreign transfer fees if you need to transfer money for your property purchase.

The provider supports fee-free international transfers for US account holders. This may come in handy if you need to pay your property or moving costs in a currency other than US dollars.³

However, you may still face a fee from any intermediary banks – and you’ll need to look into how much the provider charges for currency conversion.

You may also find that transfers from HSBC to other banks are more expensive than HSBC-to-HSBC transactions.³

HSBC international mortgage eligibility requirements

You’ll need to meet a few key eligibility requirements before you can qualify for an international mortgage with HSBC.

For example, you may need:

• to be over 18 years old
• to live in one of HSBC’s approved countries or regions
• to meet a minimum balance requirement
• to meet a maximum age requirement at the end of your loan term⁵

You may also need a few key documents, such as:

• a government-issued ID
• the repayment schedule and records for your existing mortgage
• proof of address of any borrowers
• bank statements
• proof of employment⁵

However, these criteria may depend on your individual circumstances, such as where you want to buy your property or your financial history.

Make sure to speak to a US HSBC mortgage representative before applying for your international mortgage.

Buying property abroad? Send money the hassle-free way with Wise

Now that we covered some of the basics, the only question left is: how to send money to pay for your property overseas?

Wise offers you a quick, secure, and transparent way to send money abroad. You get the mid-market exchange rate for your payments and see how much it’s charged for the transfer before sending the money from your bank.

With the Wise Account, you can also hold 40+ currencies, spend money in 150+ countries, and receive like a local in 9 different currencies.

Get started with Wise

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information

How to apply for an international mortgage with HSBC

An international mortgage can help you buy property abroad, whether you’re looking to invest, you’re moving back to the US, or you want to retire overseas.

Let’s take a look at how to apply for an international mortgage with HSBC – your step-by-step guide.

Step 1. Go to the HSBC International Services website to start your application

Step 2. Select the “Request call back” button. You’ll need to provide some personal details

Step 3. Accept a call from an HSBC representative. You may also be able to make an appointment at your local branch if you’d prefer to speak to someone in person

Step 4. The bank should talk you through the rest of the mortgage process, including the loans available to you and what you need to do for approval³

What to consider when getting an international mortgage

Applying for an international mortgage can be a complicated process – and there’s a lot to consider.

Make sure to look into any fees for your move abroad, such as international bank transfer fees, taxes, legal fees, shipping costs, and any maintenance costs for your new property.

You’ll also need to consider:

• your current financial situation – do you already have a mortgage?
• where you want to buy property
• exchange rate fees and fluctuations
• your investment goals
• getting legal or financial advice

A few different banks and mortgage lenders offer international mortgages, so you’ll need to find the right provider for you. You can also speak to an independent financial advisor for advice and support about your application.

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An HSBC international mortgage can help you find and fund your dream holiday home or overseas investment opportunity. You can access exclusive VIP tools, choose from a range of financial products, and get advice for the big move.

However, there are a few things to think about. You’ll need to carefully consider your mortgage options to choose the right loan for you. You’ll also need to look into any fees for your mortgage, including exchange rate costs.

To send and spend your money across the globe – all at the ‘fair’ mid-market exchange rate – check out Wise.

Sources

1. HSBC - How to finance an overseas property
2. America Mortgages - International expat mortgage USA
3. HSBC - Overseas mortgage
4. HSBC - Mortgages and home loans for foreigners
5. HSBC - International mortgages

Sources checked 03.13.2025