Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Mortgage FAQ: How Much Deposit Do You Need for a Mortgage in the UK in 2026?
Learn how much deposit you need for a mortgage in the UK in 2026, including minimum deposits and how lenders assess loan-to-value.
Mortgage Myths: First-Time Buyer Questions Answered by Property Experts
Buying your first home can feel like stepping into the unknown. With rising property prices, changing mortgage rates and complicated legal processes, many prospective buyers feel unsure about where to begin. To help clarify some of the most common concerns, Heidi...
UK Mortgage Market Update – 9 March 2026
UK Mortgage Market Update – 9 March 2026 Updated: 9 March 2026 This weekly UK mortgage market update explains what’s happening with mortgage rates, housing trends, and what it means for borrowers right now. The UK mortgage market saw some important developments this...
Nationwide New Build Mortgage Update: 95% LTV and Helping Hand for First-Time Buyers
Nationwide Building Society has just announced a significant update that could open the door to homeownership for thousands of prospective buyers. From today, the lender is increasing the Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits on new build properties, providing a much-needed...
Understanding Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratios and Why They Matter
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...
TSB Mortgage Rates Dropped. Could This Be the Best Deal for Homebuyers?
TSB has announced a series of rate reductions across its residential mortgage range, happening immediately and offering more competitive deals for first-time buyers, home movers, and those using shared ownership or shared equity schemes. In this article we will...
Is It Still Worth Buying a House in the UK in 2025?
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...
Is It Better to Go Directly to a Bank or Use a Mortgage Broker?
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...
First-Time Buyer Mortgage Myths Busted
Buying your first home can be stressful enough without being misled by myths that float around online and among friends. At Oportfolio, we regularly help first-time buyers separate fact from fiction, so they can make informed decisions. First-Time Buyer Mortgage Myths...
Remortgaging in London: When, Why, and How
If you do have an existing property in London, remortgaging could potentially save you thousands, or allow you to tap into cash for home improvements or other big plans. But at what time is best, and what do you expect? At Oportfolio, we remortgage London homeowners...
UK House Prices Slashed But First-Time Buyers Hit by £6.5k Tax
This summer we have seen UK house prices slashed, taking a significant turn in favour of buyers, according to the latest Summer Property Insights report from Barclays Bank. The research shows a clear yet surprising trend. Despite a red-hot start to the year driven by...
Mortgage Advice for Self-Employed Professionals in the UK
Self-employed people typically face particular challenges in securing a mortgage. Starting your own business is great, but it will complicate your path to homeownership. At Oportfolio, we often help freelancers, contractors, and entrepreneurs secure reasonably priced...
What Do Mortgage Brokers Actually Do?
When buying a home or remortgaging, you will be told to "speak with a mortgage broker", but what do they do and how can they help? At Oportfolio, our work as mortgage brokers is to take a complex process and make it simple and give you the best chance of mortgage...
TSB Increases Maximum Loan-to-Income Ratio for Self-Employed
TSB Bank has announced a significant change to its mortgage lending criteria, increasing the maximum loan-to-income (LTI) multiple for self-employed applicants. From today, self-employed individuals seeking a mortgage may be eligible to borrow up to 5.5 times their...
Best London Neighbourhoods for First-Time Buyers in 2025
Buying your first home in London can be an exhilarating but daunting process. With house prices varying so wildly across the capital, it's important to find a location that balances affordability, transport links, facilities, and growth potential just right. Day in,...
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