In a Borderless Economy, High-Net-Worth Capital Still Backs UK Property
By Market Financial Solutions
We live in a truly global economy, and high-net-worth investors are more nomadic than they’ve ever been. With all our digital advancements, the wealthy are pretty much able to operate from wherever they like. There is a less of an imperative to be based where one does business. This fact is set to be tested dramatically over the coming months and years.
In the face of rising costs, tougher legislation, and the recent Autumn Budget, we’re seeing many high-net-worth investors flee the UK, or contemplate doing so. A recent study from the Wealth Club found that 86% of its clients expect the trend of wealthy people leaving the UK for tax purposes to increase over the next three years.
Over a fifth (22%) of those questioned said they had wealthy friends or associates who had left the UK in the past 24 months because of higher taxes. More broadly, a YouGov poll commissioned after the Budget found more than one-in-10 UK adults are planning to move abroad, with 4% aiming to leave within the next five years.
Capital flight out of the UK does present its challenges, but what’s overlooked is how many global high-net-worth investors are coming to the UK property market for stability. The UK has its economic and political issues, but so does every other country. By comparison, our market poses plenty of upsides for wealthy property investors and buyers.
In fact, over the last year we’ve seen ramped up interest and investment from United Arab Emirates residents, American homebuyers and billionaires, and Asian expats. Many of these buyers sought our market as their own stood on an unsteady footing. Looking ahead, this may only become more prevalent.
Across the world, 2026 brings with it a wave of elections in countries where the results will have far-reaching ramifications, which includes intense mid-term elections in America. Moreover, conflicts with no clear end in sight will continue to linger, and hinder how major economies corporate.
Property investors will be forced to adapt. The UK could continue to offer much needed reprieve to weary global players.
Even internally, we’re likely to see high-net-worth property investors adapt, as opposed to give up entirely. The “mansion tax” for example, is set to overwhelmingly impact London and the South East, but barely make a dent outside that bubble. Chances are, property investors may explore their options across the UK landscape where prices are lower, yields are higher, and tax bills are unlikely to rise.
One thing that will tie all this together is the specialist lending market. Foreign nationals and overseas buyers may be keen to invest in the UK property market, but they’re unlikely to make a lot of progress with high street lenders. Fortunately, bespoke lenders like Market Financial Solutions are more open to these borrowers, and can help facilitate action.
Furthermore, where UK-based property investors want to expand in a cheaper corner of England or Wales, specialist lenders will be able to deliver funding quickly before tougher legislation and higher costs come into play.
Market Financial Solutions is able to lend up to £65+ million across our product range for substantial investments and expansions. Our new Fusion Premier range has been designed to accommodate complex circumstances, and we’re happy to hear from borrowers progressing via unique ownership structures. This includes share purchase agreements, offshore trusts/companies, and special purpose vehicles.
We know high-net-worth property investors the world over are preparing for 2026 now. Once they’ve figured out their plans, the specialist lending market including ourselves, will be there to offer support.
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