When it comes to investment, one of the best options for your money is through property. Even as an expat, a buy to let (BTL) can be a smart move as it offerings long-term potential due to the high rental demand and property value growth.
However, it’s a complex process that requires specialist mortgages and careful tax planning. There are navigation to be made within currencies and lenders, so if you’re looking to buy a property then here’s why it’s still appealing and the key challenges that come with it.
Why are BTLs appealing for expats?
Credit: P.Cartwright / Shutterstock
There’s a significant shortage of housing and as such, that means a strong tenant demand and rising rental incomes as a result. This is often outpacing house price growth in key areas, which makes it appealing for expats to explore BTL opportunities.
Buy-to-lets are a long-term asset and UK property remains a stable asset class that has potential for capital appreciation. It also serves as a hedge against inflation and a foundation for retirement too.
Despite there being some challenges, the underlying fundamentals of UK property, remain strong and stable.
The key challenges for expats of buy-to-lets
Are there key challenges for expats of buy-to-lets? Here are some of the challenges that come with BTLs.
Specialist mortgages
Lenders will often scrutinize overseas income and require higher deposits as a result for buying property from overseas. Typically around 25% of 40% of the value of the property, will be required as a deposit. More paperwork will likely result from buying as an expat, making a specialist broker an essential investment to have.
Currency risk
There are fluctuations in exchange rates that can significantly impact deposit costs and mortgage repayments. It’s important to note though that rate-fixing options are available too.
Taxation
There are changes in tax rules, like mortgage interest relief, which have made owning property less attractive.
This can often push expats towards buying through a limited company instead but this adds to the complexity of buying a BTL.
How to make it work as an expat
Credit: I Wei Huang/Shutterstock
If you’re an expat and you’re looking to make a smart move with BTL property, then here are some ways on how to make it work.
Firstly, get professional advice. Specialist expat buy to let mortgages require the right mortgage broker. It’s also good to have an international tax advisor are crucial for navigating the complexities of the process.
For larger portfolios, having a limited company structure can offer plenty of tax advantages. Location is important so focus on high-demand areas where affordability issues for UK residents will create long-term investment opportunities for expat investors.
Long-term strategies are important to consider. BTL for expats are best viewed as a long-term investment for capital growth and income.
UK BTLs aren’t guaranteed wins, but they still remain a smart and viable option for profitable investments. You’ll want to prepare for the complexities, seek expert guidance and align the investments in question to ensure long-term financial goals are met.
Fire safety isn’t just about detection – it’s also about containment and safe evacuation. In modern UK buildings, systems such as internal fire doors, door guards, and alarms play a crucial role in slowing the spread of fire and smoke while giving occupants time to escape.
This article explains how these elements function together and why they remain essential in 2026.
Why Are Internal Fire Doors So Important?
Fire doors are designed to compartmentalise buildings, preventing fire and smoke from spreading rapidly.
What Are FD30 and FD60 Fire Doors?
FD30 fire doors provide 30 minutes of fire resistance
FD60 fire doors provide 60 minutes of fire resistance
These doors are tested to withstand heat and flames while maintaining structural integrity.
Fire doors are commonly required in apartment buildings, blocks of flats and new homes. They are especially important along escape routes and between high-risk areas.
What Are Door Guards and Why Are They Used?
A common issue in many buildings is fire doors being wedged open, which undermines their effectiveness. Door guards solve this problem by holding doors open safely.
How Do Door Guards Improve Safety?
Door guards:
Keep fire doors open for accessibility
Automatically release doors when an alarm sounds
Improve airflow and ease of movement
Support fire safety compliance
Discover door guards designed for fire doors here:
Are Door Guards Suitable for All Buildings?
Door guards are widely used in commercial and public buildngs. They provide a balance between everyday usability and emergency safety.
How Do Smoke Alarms Support Fire Doors and Door Guards?
Smoke alarms act as the trigger point for many fire protection systems. When smoke is detected, alarms alert occupants and activate safety mechanisms.
Why Are Interlinked Smoke Alarms Effective?
Alerts are triggered throughout the building
Door guards release fire doors automatically
Occupants receive early warning
Mains-powered smoke alarms are commonly used in larger properties for consistent coverage:
How Does This Integrated Approach Improve Evacuation?
When combined:
Smoke alarms detect danger early
Door guards release doors immediately
Fire doors slow fire and smoke spread
This layered approach gives occupants more time to evacuate safely and reduces damage.
What Are the Legal Responsibilities for Fire Doors and Alarms?
Under UK fire safety legislation, responsible persons must:
Ensure fire doors are properly installed and maintained
Prevent fire doors from being wedged open
Maintain compliant alarm systems
Failure to do so can result in enforcement action and increased risk.
What Should Building Managers Review in 2026?
Key review points include:
Fire door condition and certification
Correct placement of door guards
Alarm coverage and interlinking
Regular testing and inspections
Proactive management is essential for compliance and safety.
Final Thoughts: Why Integrated Fire Protection Matters
In 2026, effective fire safety depends on systems working together, not in isolation. Internal fire doors contain fires, door guards ensure doors are used correctly, and smoke alarms provide the early warning needed to protect lives.
For UK buildings, this integrated approach delivers safer environments, improved compliance, and greater peace of mind.
For more than 10 years, I’ve led Apartment Therapy’s real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
I organize the Before & After series and cover DIY and design. I joined AT in October 2020 as a production assistant. I have an MA in Journalism from the University of Missouri and a BA in Journalism from Belmont University. Past editorial stops include HGTV Magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine, and local magazines in my hometown, Columbia, Missouri.
