Getting onto the property ladder is a challenge that continues to elude many renters and first-time buyers in the UK. With skyrocketing property prices, high rents, and limited opportunities to save for a deposit, the dream of homeownership often feels out of reach....
Louis Mason
Using Bonuses For High-Value London Property Investment
London’s elite professionals often find themselves juggling high salaries, substantial bonuses, and an ambition to own prime real estate. With property prices in London reaching unparalleled heights, using your bonuses strategically can unlock opportunities to secure...
Are HSBC Mortgage Rates Going Down In 2025?
In a very welcome introductory message for the new year, HSBC has updated its Energy Efficient Homes Cashback Mortgage (EEHC) offerings, increased cashback availability and reduced mortgage rates across its range. HSBC mortgage rates, as well as every other lender's...
UK Stamp Duty Residential Transactions Rise in June 2024
As head of content and marketing here at Oportfolio Mortgages, my job is to keep you, our clients, up to date and informed about the latest market news and trends. I am pleased to report to you in this article some interesting new data released by HMRC around property...
Swap Rates Decline, Boosting Homebuyer Affordability In The UK
Recent research from Octane Capital has revealed a promising forecast for mortgage rates in the UK. The study, which analysed average swap rates over 30 and 60-day periods, indicates that swap rates have started to decline. This shift could herald a significant...
Nationwide Cuts Mortgage Rates Below 4%, Leading Market Shift
Nationwide Building Society has announced a significant reduction in its mortgage rates, with the lowest rate now dipping below 4%. The mutual lender has reduced prices by up to 0.25% across its two-, three-, and five-year fixed-rate products, making it the first...
Second Charge Mortgage Loan Applications Are Increasing
The mortgage market is seeing a notable trend: second charge mortgage loan applications are on the rise. Recent data released today by the Finance & Leasing Association highlights that the value of second charge lending in May was 22% higher than the same month...
Low Deposit Mortgages Hit Two-Year High
The availability of low deposit mortgage deals has surged to its highest level in over two years, offering a glimmer of hope for prospective homebuyers. And in our eyes, this could signal that market stability is increasing. According to the latest data from...
We Helped Our Client Through Divorce And Property Struggles
Our client recently faced the complex and emotionally charged task of separating finances and property ownership after splitting from his partner. The couple had a joint mortgage on their residential property, a buy-to-let (BTL) property with a mortgage, and a second...
Property For Sale in Putney
Putney, a picturesque suburb of South West London, has long been a sought-after location for homebuyers. Conveniently located next to the River Thames, this charming area boasts a vibrant community, excellent amenities, and superb transport links. Whether you're...
Property Sales Surge And NatWest Reduces Mortgage Rates
From the 2nd of July 2024, NatWest is implementing a series of rate reductions across its mortgage product range, providing potential savings for both new and existing customers. This strategic move comes as the UK property market experiences a notable upswing, with...
NatWest Set To Reduce New Build Deposit Contribution
NatWest has announced a significant change to its mortgage lending criteria, which is poised to make a substantial impact on the new build property market. The high street bank has increased its loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for new build homes, a move that will enable...
What Is Stamp Duty For First-Time Buyers?
Purchasing a property is going to be expensive. Unfortunately there is no sugar coating it! Most homebuyers understand that there will be associated costs with purchasing a property. But many don’t know what these costs are, or what they mean. One significant cost...
Barclays Mortgage Rates Cut
Finally, some news that we have all almost literally been holding our breaths for! Barclays Bank has announced reductions in its mortgage rates, becoming the first of the 'Big 6' mortgage lenders to do so after the Bank of England hit its inflation target of 2%. The...
Barclays Interest Only Mortgage Requirements Updated
Barclays has announced significant changes to its interest only mortgage requirements, introducing a new tiered equity system based on the location of the security property. This update, effective immediately, is designed to provide a more location-specific approach...
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