The Overseas Buyer's Guide · 2026/27

Buy in London with confidence, from wherever you are

From Dubai, Hong Kong or Istanbul: the real costs, the stamp duty you will pay as a non-UK resident, and every step from first viewing to keys, explained by advisors who handle it daily.

4 continentsClients advised
RemoteLive video viewings
One advisorFrom brief to completion

Stamp Duty Land Tax · England

Know your purchase costs before you view

Overseas buyers pay a 2% surcharge on top of standard rates, and a further 5% if they already own a home anywhere in the world. Move the slider to see what a purchase would cost you.

  • Non-UK resident: fewer than 183 days in the UK in the 12 months before purchase
  • The 2% can be reclaimed if you become UK resident within two years
  • Stamp duty is due within 14 days of completion

Illustrative only, based on 2026/27 residential rates for England. Not tax advice; your solicitor confirms the final figure.

Stamp duty calculator

£
Estimated stamp duty
£333,750
Effective rate 11.1%

Six steps from first call to keys

Most international purchases complete in eight to twelve weeks once an offer is agreed. We coordinate every party so you can buy without being in London.

01

Brief and finance

A call to agree area, budget and timing. We line up proof of funds and, if needed, mortgage advice for international buyers.

02

Shortlist and viewings

Full walkthrough films, then live video viewings with your advisor walking every room, or in-person visits when you fly in.

03

Offer and reservation

We negotiate on your behalf and secure the residence once terms are agreed.

04

Solicitors and checks

A London solicitor runs searches, contracts and identity and source-of-funds checks, all handled remotely.

05

Exchange

Contracts become binding and the deposit is paid. Completion is set for a date that suits you.

06

Completion and keys

Funds transfer, stamp duty is paid, and keys are released, with letting and management in place if the home will be rented.

Advisors who know your market

Prime advises clients in London, Dubai, continental Europe and Asia, so the questions you ask are ones we have answered before.

Dubai & Abu Dhabi
GMT+4 · video calls daily

A London base for the summer months and the school years, with lock-and-leave management while you are away.

Hong Kong
GMT+8 · early-morning UK calls

Homes near London's leading schools and universities, and letting support during the years in between.

Istanbul
GMT+3 · advisors in English and Turkish

A sterling-denominated home with a clear legal process, and rental management if it will be let.

Free download

The Overseas Buyer's Guide to London

Twenty pages, written for international buyers of homes from £1.5M.

  • Total cost of buying, with worked examples at £2M, £5M and £10M
  • Stamp duty, ownership structures and the 2% surcharge
  • How remote viewings, exchange and completion work
  • Prime areas compared: Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Kensington, the South Bank and Battersea

Send me the guide

We will email the guide and a shortlist that fits your brief.

Handled personally by a Prime advisor. We never share your details.