Tips, insights, suggestions, and recommendations written by mortgage and protection experts to help you.
If you’re looking for an Earlsfield new build that doesn’t lose any of the unbeatable South West London charm, King George’s Gate is one of the most exciting developments currently taking shape. Delivered by Taylor Wimpey, this collection of high-quality apartments...
Thinking of buying a second property? Whether it’s for extra space, family use, a future investment, or even the occasional getaway, many people eventually find themselves asking, “Can I get a second mortgage?” The short answer is yes, second home mortgages are...
If you're thinking about buying a flat, you’ll quickly come across three terms that can feel a bit confusing at first. These terms are service charge, ground rent, and leasehold. They’re all important, not just for understanding your long-term costs, but also when...
Applying for a mortgage in the UK may appear stressful, especially if it's your first time. One of the most common reasons for delays in the approval of a mortgage could be lack or insufficient documentation. But with proper preparation, you can walk through the...
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...
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...
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: 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...
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...
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....
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
If you have any questions about UK mortgage news or or anything you’ve read then please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.