Rising Trend: Overseas Funds Fueling UK Property Investments

More than one in seven (13%) buyers purchasing properties in the UK are now using funds from overseas to support their investments, according to recent data from Thirdfort, a client compliance platform.

Thirdfort’s Source of Funds verification tool, which completes around 20,000 checks monthly, reveals where the funds originate. The top five countries contributing to UK property purchases are the USA, Hong Kong, India, Italy, and France.

Olly Thornton-Berry, co-founder and managing director at Thirdfort, stated, "Our data shows that a significant portion of UK property buyers are utilizing overseas funds. While this doesn't automatically suggest money laundering, it necessitates enhanced due diligence from property professionals to ensure compliance with regulatory standards."

Using Thirdfort’s Source of Funds tool, conveyancers and estate agents can swiftly and securely gather additional evidence to verify the legitimacy of overseas funds. This tool also monitors the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) list of High-Risk Third Countries (HRTCs), flagging when funds come from these regions and indicating where enhanced scrutiny is necessary.

Interestingly, less than 2% of purchases involve funds from FATF-listed high-risk countries, with Turkey, Argentina, South Africa, Vietnam, and Nigeria being the most common sources.

This trend underscores the growing global interest in the UK property market. For overseas investors, the UK offers a stable and attractive environment for property investment, with strong potential for returns. The data from Thirdfort highlights the importance of rigorous compliance and due diligence in facilitating these transactions smoothly and securely.

Investing in UK property can be highly advantageous, providing international buyers with opportunities for capital appreciation and stable rental yields. By leveraging sophisticated tools like Thirdfort’s Source of Funds verification, both buyers and property professionals can navigate the complexities of international transactions with greater confidence and security.

For overseas investors looking to tap into the UK property market, now is an opportune time to explore these possibilities, backed by robust verification processes that ensure compliance and protect against potential risks.