"Ultimately, foreign investment is not just about property ownership; it shows there is confidence in the UK’s legal and financial systems, and can be a real benefit to our struggling rental market"
- Ryan Etchells - Together
The number of foreign-owned buy-to-let (BTL) companies in the UK continues to rise. New research shows that one in five new BTL companies established in 2025 (up to August) were set up by foreign nationals, up from 13% in 2016.
South Asian and African investors account for a significant portion of this growth. Indian investors founded 684 new companies, while Nigerian investors created 647 new corporations.
Together’s latest lending data indicates strong levels of finance being provided to international property investors.
Together internal lending figures (Sept 2024–Aug 2025):
Total lent: £16,554,841
Average sum lent per month: £1,378,737
Average loan value: £139,032
The upcoming Autumn Statement could influence this trend, with rumours suggesting potential tax changes affecting the property sector, including the possible introduction of national insurance on rental income, from which landlords are currently exempt.
Ryan Etchells, chief commercial officer at Together, commented: “Non-UK nationals now account for one in five newly established rental property companies in the UK, a notable increase from 13% in 2016. This really highlights growing international confidence in the UK’s buy-to-let market, despite successive changes in tax and regulation, and economic turbulence.
“Foreign investors provide a much-needed injection of capital at a time when UK domestic investment is constrained, helping to ease pressure on the private rental market and support housing supply. Considering that the UK is still falling short of its annual homebuilding targets, this funding can play a key role in addressing rental demand.
“Over the past year, Together has lent between £1 million and £1.5 million a month to foreign investors, enabling them to grow their portfolios here. London has traditionally been seen as the best city for foreign investment, yet in recent years, we have seen dramatic growth around the rest of the country. For example, in the East and West Midlands and in Scotland, foreign ownership has more than doubled since 2016.
“This diversification benefits communities nationwide, spreading economic activity beyond the capital, supporting local jobs and providing homes. Ultimately, foreign investment is not just about property ownership; it shows there is confidence in the UK’s legal and financial systems, and can be a real benefit to our struggling rental market.”
