Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Halifax and Santander Mortgage Rate Cuts July 2025: What You Need to Know
In a mortgage customer boost, Santander and Halifax both announced cuts in a range of mortgage interest rates, which would be a relief to remortgagers, landlords and homebuyers throughout the UK. In this article we will run through the latest Halifax and Santander...
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage
Thinking about applying for a mortgage? Before you do, there's one important number you need to check: your credit score. A strong credit score can be the difference between being approved for a competitive mortgage, or being declined altogether. The good news? Even...
What is the First Homes Scheme?
If you're trying to buy your first home in the UK, it can feel like the dream's getting further out of reach, with house prices climbing and mortgage rules getting stricter. But there's good news. The First Homes Scheme could be your affordable key to getting on the...
Fixed vs. Variable Rate Mortgages – Which One Is Right for You?
Of course, when you get a mortgage, one of the biggest choices you'll make is whether or not to use a fixed or variable rate. Both have pros and cons, and which one is best for you will depend on your personal finance, how much risk you're willing to take, and what...
How to Get a Mortgage in South West London
How to Get a Mortgage in South West London: What Local Buyers Need to Know Buying a property in South West London can be exciting, but also complex. Whether you're a first-time buyer in Clapham, a growing family in Wimbledon, or investing in Putney, understanding the...
Top 7 Mortgage Questions First-Time Buyers Always Ask
Buying your first property is a thrilling experience, but one filled with questions. As mortgage brokers, we handle scores of first-time buyers in London and across the UK, and the overwhelming majority of them have very similar kinds of questions. The below are the...
How Rising Interest Rates Are Affecting London Mortgages
With increasing interest rates, homeowners and buyers in London are experiencing increased mortgage costs and less stringent affordability checks. It is essential to understand how these impacts will have on your planning for finances in the current economic climate....
Buy-to-Let Mortgages in London: What You Need to Know
London buy-to-let property is a smart long-term investment. But buy-to-let property loans are treated differently than regular residential mortgages. First-time landlord or portfolio extension, an understanding of the way they work and how to secure the best deal is...
Stamp Duty Explained for London Homebuyers
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a key cost that London homebuyers must include in their budget. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to expand your portfolio of properties, understanding how the tax is charged will avoid unexpected fees and enable you to better...
UK Remortgage Activity Rises in May as Owners Seek Stability
The UK remortgage market showed renewed momentum in May 2025, with fresh data revealing a 12% surge in instructions compared to April 2025, according to the latest LMS Monthly Remortgage Snapshot. This sharp increase points to growing consumer interest in remortgaging...
Nationwide New Build Mortgage Update: 95% LTV and Helping Hand for First-Time Buyers
Nationwide Building Society has just announced a significant update that could open the door to homeownership for thousands of prospective buyers. From today, the lender is increasing the Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits on new build properties, providing a much-needed...
Understanding Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratios and Why They Matter
Loan-to-value (LTV) is one of the most important concepts in mortgages, but many buyers don’t fully understand what it is or why it matters. At Oportfolio, we ensure our clients know how their deposit affects their options. There are lots of loan-to-value ratio...
TSB Mortgage Rates Dropped. Could This Be the Best Deal for Homebuyers?
TSB has announced a series of rate reductions across its residential mortgage range, happening immediately and offering more competitive deals for first-time buyers, home movers, and those using shared ownership or shared equity schemes. In this article we will...
Is It Still Worth Buying a House in the UK in 2025?
Is It Still Worth Investing in a House in the UK in 2025? You are not alone if you find yourself wondering if it is time to invest in a house in the UK. With rising interest rates, volatile house prices, and economic uncertainty, many first-time buyers and upgraders...
Is It Better to Go Directly to a Bank or Use a Mortgage Broker?
When looking for a mortgage, one of the first decisions you’ll face is: should you go directly to a bank, or work with a mortgage broker? Both have their benefits, but depending on your situation, one path may be better. Bank vs mortgage broker. Which ultimately comes...
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