[daveymck]

I dont think buying is definatley going to be the best option without more research. You will be there how long 3-4 years whats the growth in the property market going to be in that time in the States? How much would the actual mortgage costs be and how much is renting?

You could invest the lump sum you have at 5% minimum in the UK can you get higher return on property in the US? Another option could be to buy a property over here and rent it out usng the rent to pay off the mortgage and make a profit towards your rent in the states, there are pleanty of property hotspots in the UK where growth of 15-20% a year is happening.

I understand wanting to get on the ladder at this point and agree you should be doing it but not sure why so set on buying the home in the US just to goto Uni in.

Another option could be to get the mortgage here use the good exchange rate for the full amount rather than just the deposit might increase you budget, but would be looking at comparing interest costs and projections to compare the real costs of this between UK and US mortgages.

Also need to check the tax position of the house sale at the other end as well might need to add that to any costings.