Sharia Mortgage
We assist with Sharia Mortgage options in the UK for Residential and Buy to let applicants. At Mortgage Lane, our brokers are experienced in products prohibiting the use of Riba, using a sharia compliant mortgage approach. Whether you are first time buyer, or buy to let property landlord we can assist with your sharia mortgage product search. If you are new to Sharia mortgages in the UK, below we will explain all of the types of sharia mortgages we see and are able to assist with.
Sharia Mortgage
We assist with Sharia Mortgage options in the UK for Residential and Buy to let applicants. At Mortgage Lane, our brokers are experienced in products prohibiting the use of Riba, using a sharia compliant mortgage approach. Whether you are first time buyer, or buy to let property landlord we can assist with your sharia mortgage product search. If you are new to Sharia mortgages in the UK, below we will explain all of the types of sharia mortgages we see and are able to assist with.
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Types of Sharia Mortgage
There are many types of sharia mortgage products in the UK and some providers will use one or a blend of the below methods of Islamic finance principles. See our detailed guidance on what each method of Islamic finance entails and how providers and banks will use these principles in their product offerings.
Ijara is an Islamic financing structure that complies with Sharia law using Islamic finance principles, prohibiting the payment or receipt of interest (riba). Instead of interest, Ijara involves a leasing arrangement where the bank or financial institution will purchase the property and leases it to the buyer. This method has become an essential part of Islamic finance.
How Ijara Mortgages Work
In an Ijara Mortgage transaction, the bank buys the property and leases it to the buyer over a specified period. The buyer makes lease payments to the bank, which includes a portion of the property cost and a profit margin for the bank. At the end of the lease term, ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer and therefore applicants taking these sharia mortgage types are able to use them as a vehicle to own their property out-right.
For example, if a property costs £330,000, the bank purchases it and leases it to the buyer. The lease payments made by the buyer cover the cost of the property and include the bank’s profit, these products are competitively prices against conventional mortgages as a primary financing tool complying with Sharia Law Mortgage principles.
Steps Involved in an Ijara Mortgage
- Bank purchase: the bank agrees to buy the property from the seller at the agreed price.
- Lease agreement: the bank leases the property to the buyer for an agreed period, with lease monthly payments covering the property cost and the bank’s profit margin.
- Ownership transfer: at the end of the lease term or when exiting the product, ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer.
Benefits of Ijara Mortgages
Lease payments
Lease payments are typically fixed, providing stability and predictability in financial planning.
Sharia compliant
Ijara mortgages are fully compliant with Sharia law, making them suitable for Muslim buyers who want to avoid interest-based transactions and require Sharia mortgage products.
Challenges and Considerations
- Market availability: Ijara mortgages are not as widely available as conventional mortgages in the UK, requiring buyers to seek out specialized Islamic banks or financial institutions.
- Regulation and compliance: financial institutions offering Ijara mortgages must comply with both Sharia principles and UK financial regulations, our sharia mortgage lenders are also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Murabaha is a financing structure that adheres to Islamic law (Sharia) used in Sharia Mortgages, which prohibits interest (riba). Instead of charging interest, Murabaha allows for a profit margin agreed upon by both parties. This structure has become a vital component of Islamic finance, especially in property transactions.
How do Murabaha Mortgages Work?
In a Murabaha transaction, the bank or financial institution buys the property directly from the seller and then sells it to the buyer at a higher price, which includes a pre-agreed profit margin. The buyer then repays the bank in fixed instalments over an agreed period.
For instance, if a property costs £550,000, the bank might purchase it and then sell it to the buyer for £590,000. The buyer will then pay this amount in instalments, but importantly, these instalments do not represent interest; they represent the agreed profit.
Benefits of Murabaha Mortgages
Sharia compliant
Murabaha mortgages are fully compliant with Sharia law, making them suitable for Muslim buyers who want to avoid interest-based transactions. Since the profit margin is agreed upon in advance, the buyer’s repayment amounts are fixed. This can offer stability and predictability in financial planning and often these products are indexed to be priced competitively against standard mortgage products. The buyer eventually becomes the outright owner of the property once all payments are made, similar to conventional mortgages. However, initially the lender will be noted as the owner on the land registry.
Challenges and Considerations
The initial cost of the property in a Murabaha transaction might be higher compared to conventional mortgages, as the profit margin is included in the price. Murabaha mortgages are not as widely available as conventional mortgages in the UK, buyers may need to seek out specialised Islamic brokers banks or financial institutions, at Mortgage Lane we work with banks offering Murabaha Mortgages. Financial institutions offering Murabaha mortgages must make sure that they comply with both Sharia principles and UK financial regulations. The Murabaha Mortgage lender we work with are regulated by the FCA.
There are plenty of buy to let sharia mortgage options out there for Houses of Multiple occupation, where traditional HMO mortgages are not suitable, or where interest based finance products are ethically prohibited using riba. Usually sharia mortgage banks offering sharia compliant finance will be looking for experience and homeownership, but rest assured if you are just starting out, we may have some alternative sharia compliant mortgage options for you! We compare Sharia Mortgage products from across the whole market in the UK, so our aim is the reduce your cost of using the product as much as possible.
Musharakah is a co-ownership financing model under Islamic law (Sharia) that avoids the use of interest (riba). Instead of relying on interest payments, Musharakah involves a partnership between the bank and the buyer, where both parties share ownership of the property. This form of financing has become an integral part of Islamic Mortgages, growing increasing popular with property purchases.
Understanding Musharakah
With Musharakah Mortgages in the UK, the bank and the buyer collaborate to purchase a property. Both contribute capital towards the purchase price and subsequently share ownership of the property. Over time, the buyer buys out the bank’s share, ultimately gaining full ownership. During this period, the buyer pays rent to the bank for the portion of the property still owned by the bank, similar to a shared ownership arrangement.
For example, if a property costs £600,000, the buyer and the bank might each contribute £300,000. The buyer then makes periodic payments that include both rent for the bank’s share of the property and payments to gradually buy out the bank’s share. As the buyer’s ownership stake increases, the rent payments decrease.
Steps Involved in a Musharakah Mortgage
- Joint purchase: the buyer and the bank both purchase the property, based on their agreed contributions.
- Co-ownership agreement: the buyer and the bank enter into a partnership agreement detailing their individual shares and the terms for the gradual transfer of ownership to the buyer.
- Regular payments: the buyer makes regular payments to the bank, usually monthly, which consist of rent for the bank’s share and instalments to acquire the bank’s share over time.
- Full ownership: as the buyer’s payments increase, as does their equity in the property, the bank’s share diminishes until the buyer finally becomes the sole owner.
Sharia compliant
Musharakah mortgages adhere to Islamic Mortgage principles, making them suitable for Muslim buyers who avoid interest-based transactions. Musharakah mortgages are less available compared to traditional mortgages in the UK, requiring buyers to work with specialist sharia mortgage brokers, such as Mortgage Lane connecting you with market leading Islamic banks. Financial institutions offering Musharakah mortgages must comply with both Sharia principles and UK financial regulations, our sharia mortgage lenders are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
With the Clause 24, taxation changes against higher rate taxpaying landlords, limited company lending has become increasingly popular. The limited company owning the property will not need a minimum trading period and lenders are underwriting these mortgages against the applicants (directors and majority shareholders). See our dedicated blog on Buy to Let Sharia Mortgages in the UK, which are suitable for properties owned in a limited company.
There are a lot of buy to let sharia mortgage products available for investors, usually these lenders will be focused on the tenant type and experience of the applicants. Our brokers not only understand the best sharia mortgage options for these asset types, but we also understand the criteria surrounding the required valuation whether it be aggregate, or block valuation. On MUFB, the valuation methodology of your lender will really impact your outcome, so it is good to get our expert option on this before spending money on the valuation itself!
Buy to let Sharia mortgages
Unlike residential properties, Sharia Buy to Let mortgage affordability is calculated via the received rental income (for re-finances) or projected rental income (for purchases). Buy to lets requiring Sharia compliant mortgages will be accessed in the same way as a conventional buy to let mortgage.
Sometimes mortgage institutions, or valuers may not provide a mortgage where the applicant has not got enough experience, we work with lenders that are more relaxed on experience in relation to blocks of flats (MUFB) or Houses of multiple occupation (HMO), whilst offering sharia compliant products.
There is no minimum income for a Buy to Let Sharia Mortgage. Whilst some sharia mortgage companies do enforce a minimum income requirement (often £25,000), the majority do not have a minimum income requirement, as long as some level of an income can be evidenced.
Buy to let Sharia Mortgage types
We work with specialist buy to let sharia mortgage companies who allow for complex scenarios, which proves helpful to Islamic investors and other ethical groups looking for a non-debt based mortgage solution to their investment properties. We can source applicants Islamic mortgage options in the following scenarios:- Buy to let sharia mortgage for non-homeowners
- Buy to let sharia mortgage no experience
- Day one sharia remortgages
- Limited company buy to let
- HMO sharia mortgage
Specialist Sharia Mortgage
- Sharia compliant commercial mortgage
- UK Sharia mortgages Foreign nationals
- Credit check on sharia mortgage
- Sharia mortgage for expat
- Barclays Islamic mortgage
- HSBC sharia mortgage
- Natwest Halal mortgage
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS AND QUERIES ABOUT SHARIA LAW MORTGAGES
A Sharia mortgage is very different from traditional mortgage products in their foundational principles. They avoid the use of riba, ensuring the absence of interest-based transactions. All sharia mortgage lenders have a different approach to Islamic mortgages, using Murabaha, Musharakah, or Ijara models and occasionally blending Musharakah with Ijara.
Opting for an Islamic mortgage through Mortgage Lane, we can connect you with suitable lender. Some lenders may enter into a co-ownership agreement. In this setup, the sharia mortgage company might appear as the legal owner on land registry records, but they don’t maintain beneficial ownership rights. One of the compelling attributes of these financial avenues is their frequent lack of exit penalties, affording you a fluid and adaptable investment journey.
No
In the past, certain lenders imposed a minimum income requirement for Sharia Buy to Let mortgages, but this is increasingly less common. While a few may still have such requirements, it’s important to note that there are ample options available for those earning below £25,000, especially in the realm of Sharia compliant mortgages. Our team specialises in navigating these options to find a solution that aligns with both your financial situation and Islamic mortgage principles.
We assist our clients with sharia mortgages in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Just as with residential mortgages, there are also lenders in the Sharia buy to let mortgage market who accommodate applicants with adverse credit. So, whether you have experienced missed payments, CCJs, defaults, or even an IVA, Mortgage Lane can assist in sourcing a suitable Sharia buy to let mortgage lender for you.
Sharia compliant mortgage finance takes a holistic view of an applicant’s financial situation, and while credit history is a factor, it’s not the only consideration. Mortgage Lane understands these unique requirements and can guide you towards lenders who are more accommodating of various credit histories.
For those who have been discharged from bankruptcy, the landscape of options in Sharia-compliant financing typically improves after 3 years, and even more so after 6 years. With our expertise in Islamic finance and extensive network of lenders, Mortgage Lane can help navigate these options, ensuring that the solutions we find align with both your financial needs and the principles of Islamic mortgages.
It’s important to remember that every lender has different criteria, and the approach to adverse credit can vary. By working with Mortgage Lane, you can explore a range of Sharia-compliant buy-to-let mortgage options tailored to your unique circumstances, even in the presence of credit challenges.
Yes.
In the context of Sharia buy to let mortgages, some lenders who cater to first-time buyers may impose limits on the loan size, tying it to the maximum affordability of a standard residential mortgage. This practice helps lenders mitigate the risk of what’s known in the industry as “back door buy to lets”—a situation where applicants may try to leverage buy to let mortgage affordability rules to obtain a larger loan than they might otherwise qualify for in a standard residential mortgage.
However, there are strategies to navigate these limitations, particularly for those new to property investment. One such approach is initially purchasing the property using a Sharia compliant bridging finance option, then refurbishing the property and subsequently refinancing as a “property owner” rather than as a first-time buyer. This pathway can potentially offer greater flexibility in terms of loan size and investment strategy.
Mortgage Lane, as a specialist in Sharia compliant mortgages, can assist in exploring these options. We understand the nuances and specific requirements of Islamic finance and can guide you through the process of securing appropriate financing. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to expand your property portfolio, Mortgage Lane can help find a solution that aligns with both your financial goals and the principles of Islamic mortgages.
It’s important to remember that each financing option, whether it’s a standard buy-to-let mortgage, bridging finance, or a refinancing solution, needs to adhere to the principles of Sharia law. Mortgage Lane’s expertise in this area ensures that your financing solutions are not only compliant but also tailored to your unique investment needs.
Yes, Sharia compliant lenders do allow for product transfers. A product transfer is an option typically used when your fixed-term mortgage deal expires. It involves switching from your current mortgage product to a new one offered by the same lender. This is often done to secure a more favourable rate or different terms that better suit your current financial situation or to align with the evolving offerings in a sharia compliant mortgage.
One of the primary reasons for considering a product transfer at the end of a fixed-term is to avoid reverting to the lender’s standard variable rate, which might be higher. By transferring to a new product, you can potentially benefit from lower interest rates or more suitable terms.
Additionally, product transfers can help you avoid the upfront costs associated with re-mortgaging, such as valuation fees, broker fees, and legal fees. Since you’re staying with the same lender, the process is usually more straightforward and less costly compared to re-mortgaging with a new lender.
However, it’s crucial to assess whether the new product continues to meet your financial needs and remains compliant with Sharia principles. This is where the expertise of a broker like Mortgage Lane becomes invaluable. We can provide guidance on the range of products available from your current lender, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with both your financial goals and Islamic finance principles.
In summary, product transfers with sharia mortgage lenders are a practical solution when your fixed-term mortgage expires, offering a way to adapt your mortgage arrangement without incurring the additional costs and complexities of re-mortgaging with a new lender. Seeking advice from a specialist broker like Mortgage Lane is advisable to navigate this process effectively.
If you are looking for a NatWest halal mortgage, it’s essential to note that NatWest does not currently offer halal mortgage products. However, you can explore various sharia mortgage options that comply with Islamic principles through other lenders. These halal mortgages adhere to Sharia law, ensuring that the financial transactions are permissible (halal) under Islamic law.
What is a Halal Mortgage?
A halal mortgage, also known as an Islamic mortgage or sharia mortgage, avoids the payment and receipt of interest (riba), which is prohibited in Islam. Instead, these mortgages use different structures to facilitate home purchases in a manner compliant with Islamic principles. Common halal mortgage models include Murabaha, Ijara, and Musharaka.
Alternative Sharia Mortgage Options
Instead of a NatWest halal mortgage, you can consider the following sharia mortgage options available through various lenders:
- Murabaha: the bank purchases the property and sells it to the buyer at a higher price, including a pre-agreed profit margin.
- Ijara: the bank buys the property and leases it to the buyer. The buyer pays rent, which includes an element that goes towards purchasing the property over time.
- Musharaka: a partnership model where both the bank and the buyer contribute to the property purchase. The buyer gradually buys out the bank’s share.
While Natwest does not provide halal mortgages, Mortgage Lane can connect you with halal mortgage lenders that offer sharia compliant products for property purchase or refinance. Mortgage Lane specialises in finding financial solutions that meet your specific needs and adhere to Islamic principles.
If you are looking for a Barclays Islamic mortgage in the UK, it’s important to note that Barclays does not currently offer Islamic mortgage products. However, you can still find various sharia compliant mortgage options through other providers. Mortgage Lane is here to assist you in finding the best Islamic mortgage options available in the UK.
While Barclays does not offer Islamic mortgages in the UK, Mortgage Lane specialises in connecting clients with lenders who provide sharia compliant mortgage products. Whether you are purchasing your first home, refinancing an existing property, or investing in real estate, Mortgage Lane can help you find the right solution that aligns with your faith and financial goals.
Several banks and financial institutions in the UK offer Sharia mortgages, including:
- Al Rayan Bank: a leading provider of Islamic financial products in the UK, offering a variety of Sharia compliant home purchase plans.
- Gatehouse Bank: a prominent institution offering Sharia compliant mortgage products.
- UBL UK: provides a range of Islamic mortgage products.
- Stride up: provides Sharia compliant home purchase plan mortgages.
Yes, Mortgage Lane can expertly assist you in securing Sharia buy to let mortgages through our network of specialised lenders in the UK. As a broker, we understand the importance of adhering to Islamic mortgage principles and work closely with lenders who offer mortgage products that align with these principles, without involving interest. Here’s how we facilitate your access to a Sharia compliant mortgage:
Ijara Mortgae: We collaborate with providers who offer Ijara Mortgages, some may also blend this principle with Musharaka in their products. In this structure, the sharia mortgage company purchases the property and leases it to you. Your payments include a rental component and a part that contributes towards eventually acquiring full ownership of the property, in line with Islamic mortgage principles.
Musharaka Mortgage products: We connect you with lenders offering Diminishing Musharaka. In this arrangement, you and the lender jointly purchase the property. Your regular payments are part rent for the share you don’t own and part purchase payments, gradually increasing your ownership stake.
Sharia Law Mortgage Compliance: We ensure that the mortgages sourced from our lending partners fully comply with Islamic law.
Risk Sharing with Lenders: The lenders we work with share the investment risk with you, adhering to the principles of Islamic mortgages.
Stable Payment Structures: Our lenders offer fixed payment plans, providing financial predictability and stability.
Variety of Property Types: We can find mortgages for a wide range of properties, including residential and commercial.
Eligibility Guidance: Mortgage Lane assists in navigating through the eligibility requirements set by lenders, including income, credit history, and property valuation.
Competitive Terms: Despite their unique structure, the Sharia-compliant mortgages we find offer competitive rates and terms.
Yes, obtaining a Sharia mortgage for properties purchased at auction is possible. However, it’s generally not recommended, particularly for traditional auctions that typically require completion within 28 days. Traditional auction processes often provide more time, but if you’re pursuing property through this route, the likelihood of securing a Sharia compliant mortgage offer in time is low. This is compounded by the duration of legal searches, with some councils taking over six weeks to return results. Given these time constraints, it’s advisable to carefully consider your mortgage options and timelines when looking at auction properties. It is also worth considering that the legal process on sharia compliant mortgage products are typically slower due to their unique requisitions.
In Sharia remortgages, the concept of a ‘day one mortgage’ allows for refinancing your property without the traditional waiting period, there are plenty of remortgage options that will allow you to remortgage day 1.
Historically, in the conventional buy to let market, many lenders adhered to a ‘six month rule’. This rule often presented challenges for investors, especially those employing the Buy, Refurbish, and Refinance (BRR) strategy. Such constraints were even more pronounced in Sharia compliant mortgages, where adhering to ethical investment practices is essential.
The great news for investors and homeowners interested in Sharia compliant mortgages is that the stringent six-month waiting period for refinancing based on post-refurbishment valuation is no longer a standard requirement.
However, navigating the nuances of these refinancing options within the Sharia compliant framework can be complex, as they must remain interest-free and ethically compliant. This is where Mortgage Lane can be an invaluable resource. As specialists in Sharia compliant mortgage finance, Mortgage Lane can guide you through these flexible refinancing options, ensuring that your investment strategies are not only profitable but also adhere to Islamic finance principles.
Mortgage Lane’s expertise in this area means you can capitalise on the opportunities presented by ‘day one mortgages’ in a way that aligns with both your financial goals and ethical values. We recommend reaching out to Mortgage Lane for tailored advice and guidance in exploring these Sharia compliant refinancing options.
Within the Sharia buy to let mortgage market, some products are amenable to financing small HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation). However, when it comes to larger HMOs, particularly those with 5 bedrooms or more, a specific HMO mortgage product is often required. Mortgage Lane, as a specialist broker in Sharia compliant mortgages, can assist in navigating these options.
For larger HMOs, especially those with 6 or more rooms and designed to be ‘fit for purpose’ with features like en-suites, the valuation approach may need to be more nuanced. These properties often require a hybrid valuation to reflect the investment’s impact on the property’s value. This is where Mortgage Lane’s expertise becomes crucial. We understand the unique valuation challenges these properties present and can guide you towards appropriate Sharia-compliant financing options.
In some cases, particularly where the property aligns more closely with commercial use due to its size and configuration, exploring commercial mortgage lending may be a viable option. Mortgage Lane can facilitate this exploration, ensuring that any financing solution adheres to Islamic mortgage principles while recognising the unique nature of large HMO investments.
It’s essential to understand that a sharia compliant mortgage differs from conventional financing in its approach to risk, reward, and ethical investment. When dealing with properties like large HMOs, these principles become even more crucial. Mortgage Lane’s role is to ensure that your financing options are not only compliant with Islamic law but also tailored to the specific needs of your property investment, whether it’s a small or large HMO.
By collaborating with Mortgage Lane, you can access a range of Sharia buy to let mortgage options, receiving expert guidance to navigate the complexities of financing HMO properties in a way that aligns with both your investment goals and ethical values.
For Sharia buy to let mortgages, the maximum Loan to Value (LTV) ratio typically available is up to 80%. However, it is important to note that this is subject to stringent stress testing by the lender. Stress testing is a process used by lenders to determine the sustainability of the loan under various financial scenarios, especially those that might put strain on your ability to make repayments.
During stress testing, lenders will assess factors such as rental income, your financial stability, and other market conditions. Based on this assessment, the actual LTV offered to you may be lower than the maximum 80%. This is to ensure that the loan remains manageable for you under different circumstances and continues to comply with the principles of Sharia mortgages, which emphasises ethical lending and risk-sharing.
It’s also worth mentioning that each lender may have different criteria and approaches to stress testing. As a result, the size of the finance you qualify for could vary between lenders. Working with a broker like Mortgage Lane can help navigate these variables. Our expertise in Sharia compliant mortgages allows us to guide you to the most suitable lender based on your specific financial situation and investment goals, ensuring a tailored and compliant mortgage solution.
Remember, the goal of a sharia compliant mortgage is not only to provide you with a mortgage but to do so in a way that is financially sustainable and ethically aligned with Islamic principles.
When seeking an Islamic loan for house purchase, understanding the different sharia mortgage options available is crucial. These options ensure compliance with Islamic principles, avoiding interest and promoting ethical financial practices.
Murabaha is a popular sharia mortgage option where the bank buys the property and then sells it to the buyer at a higher price, which includes a pre-agreed profit margin. This option offers transparency and fixed costs, making it a reliable choice for an Islamic loan for house financing.
Ijara works on a lease-to-own basis. In this model, the bank purchases the property and leases it to the buyer. Over time, the buyer pays rent, with a portion going towards the eventual purchase of the property. This model is ideal for those seeking flexibility in their Islamic loan for house financing.
Musharaka involves a partnership between the bank and the buyer. Both parties contribute to the purchase price, and ownership is shared. The buyer gradually buys out the bank’s share, gaining full ownership over time. This option emphasizes shared risk and profit, aligning well with the principles of an Islamic loan for house.
Yes, if you’re seeking an Islamic mortgage in London, Mortgage Lane is here to help you find the best sharia compliant mortgage options that align with your needs and values.
How Mortgage Lane Can Help
Mortgage Lane specialises in connecting clients with suitable lenders offering Islamic mortgages in London. Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing an existing property, or investing in real estate, Mortgage Lane provides access to a variety of sharia-compliant products tailored to meet your specific requirements.
If you’re in search of an HSBC sharia mortgage, it’s important to understand that HSBC does not currently offer sharia mortgage products. However, you can still access a variety of sharia compliant mortgage options through other reputable lenders. Mortgage Lane can assist you in finding the right Islamic mortgage to meet your needs.
By partnering with Mortgage Lane, you can secure an Islamic mortgage that aligns with your values and financial goals, even if HSBC does not offer halal mortgage products. Trust Mortgage Lane to connect you with the right lenders and support you throughout the home financing process.
SHARIA MORTGAGES EXPLAINED
At Mortgage Lane, we see the most complex of Sharia mortgages, including Sharia Buy to Let mortgage applications, some of which make a good read for investors looking to learn from other applicants challenges, or for those effected by the topics! See more sharia mortgage topics covered in our blog here.
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