Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
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?
In most cases, you’ll need a salary of around £100,000–£125,000 to secure a £500k mortgage in the UK, depending on your deposit, income structure, and lender affordability rules. Below, we break down realistic salary scenarios, deposit examples and lender calculations...
Mortgage FAQ: Is it better to fix for 2 years or 5 years in 2026?
Mortgage FAQ: Is it better to fix for 2 years or 5 years in 2026? Updated: March 2026 This week’s mortgage FAQ answers one of the most common questions we’re hearing from buyers and homeowners right now, should you choose a 2-year fixed rate or a 5-year fixed rate?...
What is a Limited Company Buy-to-Let Mortgage?
The UK property investment market is constantly evolving, and one of the most notable trends in recent years is the rise in popularity of the limited company buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage. If you're a landlord, property investor, or considering becoming one, understanding...
UK House Prices and Rents Continue to Rise
The UK property market has maintained its growth, with the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing a 5.4% increase in average house prices over the past year to February 2025. This takes the average UK house prices to £268,000, from a...
Can I Get An Offset Mortgage?
The UK property market has maintained its growth, with the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing a 5.4% increase in average house prices over the past year to February 2025. This takes the average UK house prices to £268,000, from a...
HSBC Economic Outlook Webinar: What You Need to Know
Insights from the HSBC Economic Outlook Webinar By Jade Pinkerton This week, our mortgage advisor Jade Pinkerton attended an insightful webinar hosted by HSBC, featuring Group Economist Liz Martins. The timing was significant as it came just a day after the latest...
Helping Hand Mortgage: Nationwide Lowers Minimum Income for First-Time Buyers
Nationwide Building Society has announced a positive change to its popular Helping Hand mortgage product, making it more accessible to first-time buyers across the UK. As of Tuesday the 8th of April 2025, the minimum income requirement for sole applicants has been...
Barclays Unveils Zero Deposit Mortgages for Right to Buy Buyers
In a major boost for first-time buyers, Barclays has announced it will now offer zero deposit mortgages for individuals purchasing a home through the Right to Buy (RTB) scheme in England. The move eliminates the need for buyers to save for a traditional deposit,...
Are House Prices Going Down?
Are house prices going down in the UK? Well, according to the lates Halifax property price index, UK house prices fell by 0.5% in March 2025, with average property prices now £296,699! In this article, I will go through the new data released by Halifax and offer a...
TSB and Santander Mortgage Rate Reductions Announced
Homebuyers and homeowners looking for a mortgage deal will welcome the latest news from Santander and TSB, as both lenders have announced reductions in their mortgage rates. These changes, effective from today, offer improved affordability and monthly interest...
Reasons to Remortgage
Remortgaging. The process of switching your existing mortgage to a new deal, either with your current lender or a different one, can offer numerous financial advantages. Whether you're aiming to secure a better interest rate, consolidate debts, fund home improvements,...
10 Essential First-Time Home Buyer Questions Answered By Experts
Buying your first home? You probably have a lot of questions, and honestly…you're not alone! First-time home buyers often wonder about mortgage options, deposits, extra costs, and how to find the perfect home. In this guide, we answer the 10 most essential questions a...
UK House Prices Forecast to Surge. Is Now the Time to Buy?
The UK housing market is on track for significant growth, with property prices expected to rise by an average of 23.4% over the next five years according to research by Savills. Homeowners in the North of England are set to see the most substantial gains, making it an...
Significant Coventry Buy-to-Let Lending Criteria Updates
Coventry Building Society has updated its buy-to-let lending policy, introducing key changes that give landlords more flexibility and borrowing power. The latest adjustments are poised to help property investors expand and manage their portfolios more effectively,...
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