normace,

i have the same trouble you have had. in fact it sounds identical. i found it crazy that you cant release equity – like you said – how do you build a portfolio?

i looked at changing lenders even but apparently you need to prove you live in the country.

i enquired first about refinancing through my lender and they told me as soon as you give consent to let your property, lenders will not allow you to release more equity.

i then enquired about changing lenders altogether and the only way around this is to satisfy certain criteria such as having a residing address in the UK (or living there).

it sounds like Mortgage Express is the place to try.

Please let me know how you go.