HSBC has today announced an increase in its maximum loan-to-value (LTV) lending limits for residential mortgages. The changes, effective from today, apply to all new-build properties and flats, including non-new-build flats, across the UK. In this news article I will...
When purchasing a property, securing a sufficient deposit is one of the most significant financial hurdles you’ll encounter. Saving a large enough deposit, especially when you are having to pay rent and bills at the same time. Can be very difficult. For many, this...
Halifax has announced a new exciting change to its mortgage application criteria, that is due to take effect on the 12th of August 2024. In a message to all mortgage brokers this morning, Halifax announced that they will now accept foreign income mortgage...
As of tomorrow (Thursday the 26th of May) Santander have confirmed that they have now increased their maximum LTV (Loan to Value) for self-employed people from 75% i.e. 25% deposit, to 90% i.e. 10% deposit. This is fantastic news as Santander has held firm at only...
Key facts: Client lived in a house and rented it from the local council As part of the right to buy scheme, he wanted to purchase the property from the council at a discounted price. He approached his bank because he thought this would be the easiest option for him....
At Oportfolio, we are all big supporters of charity, and we try to help in any way we can with good causes in the local area and the country as a whole. This year we are starting an initiative to support a different charity every quarter to try and raise as much funds...
Mortgage rates can rise, that’s something everyone should be aware of. At some point rates must fluctuate as various economic factors change. Every so often they also decrease! But over the last few months we have began to see a bit of economic uncertainty and...
Mortgage lender Kent Reliance, part of the Once Savings Bank Group, has announced that they will now offer more residential mortgage products to help home buyers and remortgagers with complex income sources. Founded in 1898 as the Chatham & District Reliance...
What is the purpose of a mortgage? Is there a clear definition? Most people would define a mortgage as a loan provided by a bank, building society, or private finance company to purchase a property when immediate funds are not available. As a loan, this money will...
Key facts: Client owned his own property that he lived in He wanted to rent it out and move in with his partner in her property His current mortgage lender would not let him switch his mortgage to a buy-to-let mortgage Most lenders would not allow him to remortgage...
We all know that rent in London can cost you a small (or large) fortune depending on the area you live in, and Southerners in general are relentlessly berated by anyone north of Luton for the laughable cost of living they put up with. And it seems that Londoners...
The country’s capital has always been a desired place to live. With limitless career potential, unbeatable leisure activities, and unique experiences like no where else, London is the place to be. But living in such a desirable places often comes at a cost and...
The standard variable rate is a nightmare. There’s no reason to pretend that it isn’t, and you should want to avoid it at all costs. For a lot of mortgage customers, well at least those who are receiving continued quality mortgage advice, the standard variable rate or...
Latest news coming out of the Bank of England says that they are raising the BoE base rate to 1% from the previous 0.75% which was only introduced in March 2022. Despite issuing warnings of a possible incoming recession and despite pressure from government officials,...
Key facts: Couple purchased their first property in the UK a few years ago but never had the standard variable rate explained to them. Their mortgage was on an interest only basis but when their product term ended, they reverted automatically to the SVR. They were...
If you have any questions about UK mortgage news or anything you’ve read then please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
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