Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Does a Bigger Deposit Get You a Better Mortgage Rate?
A bigger deposit can help you access lower mortgage rates, but more isn’t always better. Learn how LTV bands affect mortgage pricing and when increasing your deposit could make a difference.
UK Mortgage Market Update – 7th of September 2026
UK mortgage rates have started rising again as swap rates increase, while new data shows house prices falling annually for the first time since 2023. Here’s what changed between 31 August and 7 September 2026.
Can You Get a Mortgage on a Flat Above a Shop?
Can you get a mortgage on a flat above a shop? Find out what lenders consider, including the business below, your deposit, access, lease, mortgage valuation and future resaleability.
Case Study: Helping a Self-Employed Buyer Secure a Mortgage After Their Bank Declined
Case Study: Helping a Self-Employed Buyer Secure a Mortgage After Their Bank Declined This mortgage case study is based on a real client scenario. Details have been simplified to protect client confidentiality. Self-employed borrowers often find applying for a...
What Salary Do I Need for a £500k Mortgage in the UK?
To borrow £500,000, you would typically need a household income of around £111,000 if a lender offered 4.5 times your income. At 4 times income, you would need £125,000, while a lender willing to consider 5 times income could potentially lend £500,000 on an income of...
Is it Better to Fix for 2 Years or 5 Years in 2026?
Should you fix your mortgage for 2 or 5 years? Compare the pros and cons, costs, flexibility, early repayment charges and key considerations for UK borrowers in 2026.
UK Mortgage Market Update – 2 March 2026
UK Mortgage Market Update – 2 March 2026 The UK mortgage market continues to shift as expectations around interest rates change, mortgage pricing stabilises, and house price data shows renewed momentum. Here’s what happened this week, and what it means if you’re...
Case Study: How We Helped a London Buyer Borrow £80,000 More Than Their Bank Offered
How We Helped a London Buyer Borrow £80,000 More Than Their Bank Offered The Situation Our clients were a London-based professional couple looking to buy their next home with a required mortgage of £700,000. They had strong incomes and a solid deposit in place, but...
What Salary Do I Need for a £400k Mortgage in the UK?
To borrow £400,000, you would typically need a household income of around £88,889 if a lender offered 4.5 times your income. At 4 times income, you would need £100,000, while a lender willing to consider 5 times income could potentially lend £400,000 on an income of...
Should I Wait for Mortgage Rates to Fall?
Should I wait for mortgage rates to fall? This week’s mortgage FAQ answers one of the most common questions we’re hearing from buyers and homeowners right now. Many people are wondering whether they should wait for rates to fall, or act sooner. Here’s what you need to...
UK Mortgage Market Update – 23 February 2026
UK Mortgage Market Update – 23 February 2026 The UK mortgage market continues to shift as inflation eases, interest rate expectations change, and house prices show signs of renewed momentum. Here’s what happened this week, and what it means if you’re buying,...
What Salary Do I Need for a £300k Mortgage in the UK?
To borrow £300,000, you would typically need a household income of around £66,667 if a lender offered 4.5 times your income. At 4 times income, you would need £75,000, while a lender willing to consider 5 times income could potentially lend £300,000 on an income of...
Case Study: £1m+ Mortgage Offer Secured in 7 Working Days
We helped a client to secure a £1 Million+ mortgage with bonus income within 7 working days. But, it wasn't as simple as it might seem. The Challenge A client with strong earnings needed a large mortgage quickly, but their income structure included variable bonus...
Large Mortgages in the UK: How to Borrow £500k–£2m+
If you’re looking to borrow a significant amount, you may be wondering: “How do I get a large mortgage in the UK?” Large mortgages, typically £500k and above, often require a more specialist approach than standard lending. In this guide, we’ll cover: How to get a...
Meet James Brook From Novello Chartered Surveyors
Recently, Oportfolio Mortgages spoke to chartered surveyor James Brook FRICS, co-founder of Novello Surveyors. Novello is a RICS chartered surveying firm covering locations across London, the home counties, and Yorkshire. In a sometimes difficult to navigate property...
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