Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
TSB Increases Maximum Loan-to-Income Ratio for Self-Employed
TSB Bank has announced a significant change to its mortgage lending criteria, increasing the maximum loan-to-income (LTI) multiple for self-employed applicants. From today, self-employed individuals seeking a mortgage may be eligible to borrow up to 5.5 times their...
Best London Neighbourhoods for First-Time Buyers in 2025
Buying your first home in London can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With property prices varying significantly across the capital, it’s essential to find a neighbourhood that strikes the right balance between affordability, transport links, amenities, and...
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How Much Deposit Do I Need for a Mortgage in the UK? [2025 Guide for First-Time Buyers]
Quick Answer Most UK mortgage lenders require at least a 5% deposit, but putting down 10% to 20% can unlock better rates. For a £250,000 home, that’s a minimum of £12,500. The more you put down, the more affordable your mortgage is long-term. What Is a Mortgage...
How to Get a Mortgage in London With a Small Deposit
Buying a home in London can be daunting, especially if you have a small deposit. With property prices significantly higher than other UK regions, many prospective buyers feel overwhelmed. However, having a limited deposit doesn’t have to hold you back. Here’s how you...
How We Helped a First-Time Buyer Secure a Mortgage in Putney
Buying your first home is exciting, and sometimes overwhelming. Recently, we worked with a client, Sarah, a first-time buyer in her early 30s, who had just had an offer accepted on a one-bedroom flat in Putney. If you're looking for a first-time buyer mortgage, Putney...
The 5 Biggest Mortgage Mistakes Londoners Make
Buying property in London is a massive financial commitment, and the mortgage process can feel like a maze. Over the years at Oportfolio, we've seen many clients come to us after running into avoidable mistakes. Here's what we believe are the five biggest mortgage...
How Expensive Is a Mortgage? A Full Guide to UK Mortgage Costs
When planning to buy a home or invest in property, one of the biggest questions is: how expensive is a mortgage? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Mortgages come in different types, terms, and interest structures, all of which impact the total cost you’ll pay...
TMW Cuts Mortgage Affordability Stress Rates to Help Landlords
The Mortgage Works (TMW), a leading Buy to Let lender, has today announced a reduction in affordability stress rates for individual landlords, making it easier for them to borrow more on selected mortgage applications. Changes To Buy-To-Let Mortgage Affordability...
UK Mortgage Rates Fall Slightly in June, but Pace Slows
Average mortgage rates in the UK have dipped again in June, though the declines are smaller than last month’s drops, according to the latest data from Moneyfacts. Meanwhile, product choice has decreased slightly, and the shelf-life of mortgage deals has shortened. In...
Can I Get a Second Mortgage?
Thinking about buying a second property? Whether it's for a holiday home, rental income, or helping a family member, you might be asking: can I get a second mortgage? The good news is, yes, you can get a second mortgage, but there are important considerations to keep...
A Rooftop View of Protection: Guardian’s 2024 Claims Report
Yesterday, I had the absolute pleasure of attending a truly memorable evening hosted by Guardian Financial Services to celebrate the release of the Guardian Financial Services 2024 Claims Report. Held at the stunning Wagtail rooftop bar in King William Street, central...
How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage? A Guide to Home Financing
If you're thinking about buying a home, one of the first and most important questions you’ll ask is: how much can I borrow (mortgage)? Understanding your borrowing capacity is essential to setting a realistic budget and finding the right property. Whether you're a...
Halifax Mortgage Income Criteria Update Boosts Affordability
Big news from Halifax! In a somewhat unexpected move from one of the biggest lenders in the UK mortgage market, Halifax has just announced a major upgrade to its mortgage income criteria, making it easier for people with bonus income or NHS overtime to qualify for a...
UK Housing Market Trends 2025 According To Zoopla
The UK housing market experienced its busiest May since the 2021 pandemic boom, according to Zoopla's latest House Price Index (HPI). The number of sales agreed surged to a four-year high, fuelled by improved mortgage affordability, competitive lending rates, and a...
Santander Fixed Rate Mortgage Increase: Act Now
Homebuyers and remortgagers should act quickly as Santander has announced a widespread increase in its fixed rate mortgage products, set to take effect on Tuesday the 27th of May 2025. These changes will affect both new business and product transfer mortgage rates...
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