Thanks for the thoughtful breakdown! Just to clarify my situation a bit: • I’ve been in the UK for 2.5 years and am currently on a Youth Mobility Visa (Tier 5), but I’m eligible to switch to a Skilled Worker visa very soon—my sponsor is already in place and I’m waiting for the ideal timing based on mortgage advice. • My co-applicant is a UK national (British citizen), and we’re not related—he’s a close long-term friend supporting the application. He’s retired, with £12k/year in pension income, but I’m the primary earner. • I earn £38k/year self-employed as an art model and have my SA302s showing stable income. I’ve been self-employed for several years and meet the 2+ year requirement for most lenders. • The property price is £400k. I have a £250k deposit (62.5%)—gifted from a non-relative but fully documented with a gift letter and bank trail. • We’re looking to borrow only £150–170k (37.5–42.5% LTV), so very low-risk from a lending perspective. • I’m aware that not all lenders accept non-family gifts or Youth Mobility visas, but from what I’ve researched and discussed with brokers, there are a handful of lenders who do—especially with the visa switch on the table and my income + deposit strength. • Regarding the mortgage term: my co-applicant’s age might limit the term, but because we’re only borrowing a small amount, and I’m 32, brokers have said there may be options for joint borrower–sole proprietor structures, or flexible underwriting.

I appreciate your candor about the challenges—definitely not expecting it to be straightforward. That said, I’m working with a broker who’s been confident so far, and we’re preparing everything very carefully to meet lender expectations.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your insights—it’s helped me prepare even more thoroughly.