Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio

First-Time Buyer Mortgages UK: Leeds & Virgin Cut Rates
The UK mortgage market has received a welcome boost this week as Leeds Building Society and Virgin Money both announce significant rate reductions, aiming to support first-time buyers and homeowners looking for better deals. But with rising property prices, high...

New Low Barclays Mortgage Rates Of 3.96% Announced
Barclays Bank has announced a new wave of mortgage rate reductions, with some products falling below 4% for the first time in months. As of the 4th of March 2025, the bank has lowered rates across a range of mortgage products, including its Green Home five-year...

Mortgage Rates Drop as Lenders Introduce New Sub-4% Deals
Fixed mortgage rates have fallen once again this week, with new sub-4% deals entering the market, according to Moneyfacts. However, despite these reductions, the average rates on two- and five-year fixed mortgages remained unchanged compared to the previous week. In...
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...
Adverse Credit Mortgage Criteria Eased by Hinckley & Rugby
In a significant move to make homeownership more accessible to different types of borrowers, Hinckley & Rugby for Intermediaries has announced relaxed criteria on its Credit Flex adverse credit mortgage product, designed for borrowers with adverse credit...
Metro Bank Buy-to-Let Mortgage and Interest-Only Changes
Metro Bank has recently announced significant enhancements to its interest-only and buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage criteria, marking a strategic move to strengthen its position as a leading specialist lender on the high street. These changes are designed to offer greater...
Halifax Minimum Mortgage Amount Increases
Halifax has announced an increase in the minimum mortgage amount for their 2 year and 5 year fixed-rate products, available through selected mortgage intermediaries. Historically, Halifax's minimum mortgage amount was £25,000, which is considered one of the lowest...
Why You Should Never Pay Off Your Mortgage
When it comes to personal finance, one of the most debated questions is: should I pay off my mortgage early? While owning your home outright can provide peace of mind, there are several reasons why you might want to reconsider paying off your mortgage early if you are...
How Can You Reduce Mortgage Payments?
The last few months have been tough, there's no question about that. The rising cost of living in the UK has meant that the average person is now paying more for utilities like gas, water, and electricity. Food and drink prices have soared, and petrol and diesel now...
What Is A Product Transfer Mortgage?
Most mortgage borrowers are pretty clued up on the initial terms of their loan. Well, at least they should be if their mortgage broker has explained things to them! Normally you would fix your mortgage for a period of 2 to 5 years and enjoy the rate and product you...
Remortgaging For Debt Consolidation
Everyone talks about purchasing a property and the associated mortgage you secure. Then people talk about remortgaging or doing a product transfer to keep a good interest rate and mortgage product on your property. But very few people talk about what else remortgaging...
Do You Need Life Insurance For A Mortgage
Do You Need Life Insurance For A Mortgage? The simple answer is no, you do not need life insurance to get a mortgage. A mortgage lender will not reject your application if you do not have life insurance. However, there are significant benefits to having life insurance...
Jubilee House, Putney
Standing tall and imposing at the corner of Putney High Street and Putney Bridge Road is the impressive concrete modernist monolith, Jubilee House. When travelling into Putney, it’s impossible not to see the Jubilee House building. At only a short stroll away from...
In Conversation With Sophie Jones: Residential Conveyancing With William Sturges
Welcome to our exclusive interview with Sophie Jones, residential conveyancing solicitor and partner at William Sturges Solicitors, a prominent legal firm based in central London. After well over one hundred years of trading, William Sturges has established itself as...
How To Find The Landlord Of A Property
Being a rental tenant in 2024 can be tricky for a number of reasons, especially when you need to find out who the landlord is for a property. Whether you’re a tenant seeking to address a concern, a prospective renter, or simply someone looking to make an enquiry about...
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