Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
In Conversation With Heena Sandhu From Guardian
Welcome to our exclusive interview with Heena Sandhu, business development manager at Guardian, a prominent protection provider that do things differently to other providers. Guardian came to market in 2018 with a single ambition – every family to have protection that...
The Mortgage Works Data On The UK Buy-To-Let Property Market
Landlord confidence in the UK rental market has seemingly taken a hit, with fewer landlords feeling positive about rental yields compared to a year ago. That is at least according to the latest research from The Mortgage Works (TMW), the UK buy-to-let property market...
BM Solutions Expands Buy-to-Let Portfolio Mortgage Criteria
Today, BM Solutions (part of Lloyds Banking Group) has announced significant changes to their buy-to-let (BTL) and let-to-buy (LTB) mortgage criteria. From tomorrow (Friday the 29th of November) landlords will have greater borrowing flexibility, providing them with...
HSBC Announces Cuts to Mortgage Rates in the New Year
In another move that is sure to delight homeowners and potential buyers alike, HSBC has unveiled a series of reductions to its mortgage product rates, effective from Thursday the 4th of January 2024. The adjustments span across various residential and buy-to-let (BTL)...
Do I Need Critical Illness Cover?
Life is a journey fraught with unexpected twists and turns, and not all of them bring joy unfortunately. While it's human nature to avoid dwelling on the negative aspects of our health, the reality is that many of us will face a serious illness at some point in our...
Halifax Storms into 2024 with Some Big Mortgage Changes
This morning Halifax has unveiled significant changes to its mortgage product range, leaving homebuyers and homeowners alike with plenty to celebrate as they step into the new year. The alterations, spanning Homebuyer, Remortgage, Product Transfer, and Further Advance...
Equity Release Mortgages in 2024
As 2023 draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the past year's trends in the mortgage market and look ahead to what 2024 may hold. In a message to Oportfolio Mortgages brokers, Mike Hardy of The Equity Release Experts offers a promising outlook for the coming year,...
A Shift Towards Ethical Mortgages Gains Momentum
In a noteworthy trend, our advisors at Oportfolio Mortgages have seen a significant increase in client requests for mortgages aligned with ethical banking practices. This shift reflects a growing awareness among consumers about the impact of their financial decisions...
Oportfolio Mortgages: A 2023 Round-Up of the Mortgage Market
Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year from everyone here at Oportfolio! As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to reflect on the tumultuous yet transformative year that unfolded in the mortgage market. From soaring highs to challenging lows, the industry...
Average UK Mortgage Rates December 2023
As the summer sun continues to shine upon the United Kingdom (Just kidding!), the mortgage market has seen subtle movements in average mortgage rates during the last week of December 2023. According to the latest data released by Uswitch.com, a leading comparison...
What Is Critical Illness Cover? Your Questions Answered
In life, unforeseen challenges can certainly cast a shadow over our carefully laid plans. When it comes to health, the unpredictability of critical illnesses poses a significant threat to our well-being and financial stability. In the face of such uncertainties, a...
RICS Market Survey Shows Positive Signs For UK Property
This month the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors released their November 2023 RICS Residential Market Survey, a survey which analyses the residential property market and trends. Against a backdrop of challenges, subtle shifts and emerging trends bring a somewhat...
UK Homebuyers Eager to Pay More for Energy Efficient Property
A recent study by Uswitch has uncovered a significant shift in the priorities of UK homebuyers, with more than 4 in 10 (43%) indicating a willingness to pay a premium for energy efficient properties. The findings reveal a growing trend among buyers who are...
Virgin Money Launches Revised Affordability Lending Criteria
In a significant development announced today, Virgin Money has adjusted its lending criteria, paving the way for potential homebuyers to secure larger mortgages and enjoy extended terms. As exclusive mortgage brokers and as part of the PRIMIS mortgage network,...
Nationwide Eases UK Mortgage Visa Requirements
This morning Nationwide Building Society has announced that they will be introducing changes to their UK mortgage visa requirements. From today they will be making a reduction in the minimum visa validity period required for mortgage applications. The change,...
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