Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
How a Mortgage Broker in Wandsworth Helped Renters Buy Their First Home
Buying your first home in Wandsworth can feel out of reach, especially if you’re renting and unsure whether you’d qualify for a mortgage. That’s exactly how our clients felt when they came to Oportfolio Mortgages. They had been long-term renters in Wandsworth and...
How Increasing Inflation Impacts UK Mortgage Rates
Rising UK inflation continues to keep mortgage rates higher than expected, impacting homeowners and remortgagers across the country. Learn how inflation and Bank of England decisions affect mortgage affordability, what this means for fixed and variable rates, and how to prepare for the future housing market.
NatWest Launches New Standalone Additional Borrowing Mortgage
NatWest is introducing a completely new standalone Additional Borrowing (ADBO) mortgage product, allowing homeowners across the UK to borrow more money against their home than ever before. This is a significant step forward for borrowers who need access to cash at...
What is a Property Conveyancer and How Much Do They Cost?
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make in your lifetime. Whether you're purchasing your first property, investing in a buy-to-let, or remortgaging, understanding the role of a property conveyancer is crucial. But what exactly does...
UK House Prices Hold Steady in February: Halifax House Price Index
The latest Halifax House Price Index report for February 2025 shows that UK house prices remained largely stable over the month, dipping by just -0.1%, following a +0.6% increase in January. The average property price now stands at £298,602, a marginal decrease of...
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...
The Rise of Later Life Mortgage Lending
Later life mortgage lending is on the rise in the UK, with more older borrowers securing mortgages than ever before. According to the latest UK Finance data, the number of mortgages taken out by older borrowers surged to 35,840 in Q4 2024, marking a significant 28.2%...
New Visa Buy-to-Let Mortgage Range from Hinckley & Rugby
Hinckley & Rugby Building Society has unveiled a new Visa Buy-to-Let mortgage range, aiming to support skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors on visas in purchasing or refinancing property in the UK. This initiative reflects the growing demand for...
Halifax and Clydesdale Mortgage Rates Cut
Homebuyers and homeowners looking to secure a new mortgage deal could benefit from fresh cuts to Halifax and Clydesdale mortgage rates. Both lenders have announced reductions across a range of mortgage products, making borrowing slightly more affordable in an ever...
UK Inflation Hits 3%: A Warning Sign For Mortgages?
UK inflation has surged to 3% in January 2025, its highest level since March last year, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This rise (unexpected or not) from December’s 2.5% reading is sending shockwaves through the economy,...
How Mortgage Is Calculated
When applying for a mortgage, one of the most crucial steps is understanding how lenders calculate how much you can borrow or how mortgage is calculated. Mortgage calculations are based on a range of factors, including income, outgoings, employment type, and deposit...
Buy-To-Let Mortgage Tax Relief for Landlords
Investing in a buy-to-let property can be a lucrative venture, offering long-term rental income and potential capital appreciation for those looking to invest their money somewhere. However, landlords must also consider the financial responsibilities, including tax...
First-Time Buyer Age in the UK Rises To 33 New Research Reveals
The number of first-time buyers in the UK saw a significant increase in 2024, with 341,068 people stepping onto the property ladder. This marks a 19% rise compared to 2023, according to the latest research from Halifax. First-time buyers made up 54% of all home...
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