Self-employed professionals often face unique challenges when it comes to securing a mortgage. While being your own boss has its perks, it can complicate your path to homeownership. At Oportfolio, we regularly help freelancers, contractors, and business owners secure...
Tips, insights, suggestions, and recommendations written by mortgage and protection experts to help you.
What Do Mortgage Brokers Actually Do?
When you're buying a home or remortgaging, you may be told to "speak to a mortgage broker", but what exactly do they do, and how can they help? At Oportfolio, our job as mortgage brokers is to simplify a complex process and give you the best chance of mortgage...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Top Mortgage Advice 2025 Trends: Expert Advice from Oportfolio
The UK mortgage market is truly alive right now, and I’m not just saying that. Over the past week alone, I’ve had a flood of enquiries from a wide variety of clients, all looking to explore their mortgage and property finance options. With mortgage rates continuing to...
In Conversation With Isaac Kikabi From BM Solutions
With over a decade of experience across retail and commercial banking, Isaac Kikabi made a strategic move into the mortgage sector three years ago, a transition driven by a deep personal interest in housing and its role in social and economic mobility. Now serving as...
How to Use Four Incomes on One Mortgage in the UK
With the housing market remaining tough for many, a new opportunity has emerged for buyers who need extra support: using up to four incomes on one mortgage application. Thanks to Family Building Society’s enhanced Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) mortgage, UK...
How to Get a Self-Employed Mortgage: A Complete Guide
Securing a mortgage when you are self-employed can feel more complicated than it should. Getting a mortgage as an employed person with a basic guaranteed annual salary might seem like the most straight forward and hassle free way of purchasing a property, but it isn’t...
How to Buy Property on Your Own
Buying a home on your own can be a daunting but incredibly empowering journey. Whether you're single, recently separated, or simply choosing to go it alone, getting on the property ladder with just your income is absolutely possible. This blog about the process when...
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