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Berkeley draws buyers from around the world. UC Berkeley alone brings faculty, researchers, and investors who want to own — not rent.
Foreign national loans make that possible. These are non-QM programs built for non-US citizens who can't use standard loan docs.
No
US Credit Required
25-40%
Min Down Payment
Non-QM
Loan Type
Valid Passport + Visa
Key Doc
Foreign National Loans in Berkeley
No US credit history required. Lenders use foreign credit reports, bank statements, or asset docs instead.
Down payments typically run 25-40%. Higher skin in the game offsets the added risk lenders take on.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect foreign national loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Berkeley.
Berkeley draws buyers from around the world. UC Berkeley alone brings faculty, researchers, and investors who want to own — not rent.
Foreign national loans make that possible. These are non-QM programs built for non-US citizens who can't use standard loan docs.
No US credit history required. Lenders use foreign credit reports, bank statements, or asset docs instead.
Most retail banks won't touch foreign national loans. You need a broker with wholesale access to portfolio lenders who specialize in these.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. A handful actively compete for foreign national deals — and their terms vary widely.
The biggest deal-killer is documentation. Get your foreign bank statements translated and notarized before you start.
Visa type matters too. B-1/B-2 tourist visas are fine for investment purchases. Primary residence buys require a different visa class.
If you have an ITIN, you may qualify for ITIN loans instead. Those programs often carry better rates and lower down payment requirements.
For rental properties, DSCR loans are worth a look. Some DSCR lenders accept foreign nationals — and qualification is based on rent, not personal income.
Berkeley is a high-cost market. Loan amounts on foreign national programs can reach into the jumbo range — expect lender scrutiny to match.
Properties near UC Berkeley attract strong rental demand. That makes them good candidates for DSCR paired with a foreign national structure.
Yes. Lenders use foreign credit reports or asset documentation instead. You don't need a US credit score.
Most investor visas and work visas qualify. Tourist visa holders can buy investment property but face restrictions on primary residences.
Plan on 25-40% down. Higher down payments can improve your rate and increase lender options.
Yes. Rental properties are a common use case. A DSCR loan structured for foreign nationals may also be worth comparing.
Yes, typically. The added risk and non-QM structure means higher rates. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Not always, but it helps. Some lenders require a US account for payment setup. Ask your lender early.