Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
UK Inflation Hits 3%: A Warning Sign For Mortgages?
UK inflation has surged to 3% in January 2025, its highest level since March last year, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This rise (unexpected or not) from December’s 2.5% reading is sending shockwaves through the economy,...
How Mortgage Is Calculated
When applying for a mortgage, one of the most crucial steps is understanding how lenders calculate how much you can borrow or how mortgage is calculated. Mortgage calculations are based on a range of factors, including income, outgoings, employment type, and deposit...
Buy-To-Let Mortgage Tax Relief for Landlords
Investing in a buy-to-let property can be a lucrative venture, offering long-term rental income and potential capital appreciation for those looking to invest their money somewhere. However, landlords must also consider the financial responsibilities, including tax...
First-Time Buyer Age in the UK Rises To 33 New Research Reveals
The number of first-time buyers in the UK saw a significant increase in 2024, with 341,068 people stepping onto the property ladder. This marks a 19% rise compared to 2023, according to the latest research from Halifax. First-time buyers made up 54% of all home...
Santander and Barclays Mortgage Rates Drop Below 4%
Well Ladies and Gentlemen…it has finally happened! The UK mortgage market has taken an exciting turn as two major lenders, Santander and Barclays, introduce mortgage products with interest rates below 4%! This is something that we have all been waiting for as rates...
NatWest Mortgages Announce Significant Rate Reductions
NatWest mortgages have this morning unveiled a series of rate reductions across their mortgage product offerings, set to take effect from the 12th of February 2025. The new changes are specifically for new business rates, existing customer deals, and additional...
Government Announces Major Changes For UK Homebuyers
It’s looking likely that millions of UK homebuyers are about to benefit from long-overdue improvements to the home buying and selling process, the government has announced over the last couple of days! With a new initiative to slash delays and reduce the number of...
UK House Prices Reach Record High
The UK housing market kicked off 2025 on a high, with house prices increasing by 0.7% in January 2025, following a slight -0.2% dip in December, according to the latest Halifax House Price Index. The report reveals that the average property price now stands at a...
Accord £5K Deposit Mortgage Expands to Include Flats
First-time buyers looking to get onto the property ladder with a minimal deposit have received a major boost, as Accord Mortgages has expanded its £5K Deposit Mortgage proposition to include flats. This enhancement makes it even easier for buyers to secure a home with...
How Non-Traditional Workers Can Secure a Mortgage
A new study from specialist lender The Mortgage Lender (TML) has revealed that nearly four-fifths (79%) of non-traditional workers, including freelancers, self-employed individuals, and gig economy workers, have homeownership aspirations. Despite the rather tricky...
Accord Mortgage Rates Cut on Residential and Buy-to-Let Products
This morning, Accord Mortgages has announced rate cuts across both its residential and buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage products. The reductions, which take effect immediately, will likely improve affordability for a range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to seasoned...
Santander Early Repayment Charge Waiver for Home Movers
Santander has announced a positive change for mortgage customers looking to move home, extending the period in which they can avoid Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) when switching to a new deal. From Monday the 3rd of February 2025, Santander will waive ERCs for...
NatWest Mortgage Rates Increase: What This Means for Borrowers
NatWest has announced yet another round of mortgage rate increases, effective from the 31st January 2025 (This Friday). The changes, which impact a variety of mortgage products across its new business range, see rate hikes of between 0.02% and 0.11% on selected two-...
Barclays Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor Mortgage Boost Unveiled
Barclays has today announced the expansion of its Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) Mortgage Boost range, designed specifically to help struggling first-time buyers to secure larger loans in today’s challenging housing market. It is no secret that first-time...
Precise Mortgages Launches New Bridging Loan UK Product
Specialist lender Precise Mortgages has expanded its bridging loan range by introducing a new developer exit product and reducing bridging loan rates by 0.07%. Bridging loans are a great alternative lending method for short term finance, and definitely something that...
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