Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Why High Earners Are Often Under-Assessed By Mortgage Lenders
Many people assume that earning a high salary automatically means getting approved for a large mortgage is straightforward. In reality, some of the highest earners we speak to often face the biggest frustrations when it comes to borrowing. At Oportfolio Mortgages, we...
Your Personal Insurance Questions Answered
When it comes to protecting your finances, your family, and your home, it’s completely normal to have questions about personal insurance. From life cover and critical illness policies to income protection, many people are unsure what they actually need, or whether...
How We Helped a London Buyer Secure a £1.4 Million Mortgage Using Multiple Income Streams (Case Study)
Discover how Oportfolio Mortgages helped a London buyer secure a £1.4 million mortgage using multiple income streams including salary, bonus, and investment income.
Buy-to-Let Mortgages in London: What You Need to Know
London buy-to-let property is a smart long-term investment. But buy-to-let property loans are treated differently than regular residential mortgages. First-time landlord or portfolio extension, an understanding of the way they work and how to secure the best deal is...
Stamp Duty Explained for London Homebuyers
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a key cost that London homebuyers must include in their budget. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to expand your portfolio of properties, understanding how the tax is charged will avoid unexpected fees and enable you to better...
UK Remortgage Activity Rises in May as Owners Seek Stability
The UK remortgage market showed renewed momentum in May 2025, with fresh data revealing a 12% surge in instructions compared to April 2025, according to the latest LMS Monthly Remortgage Snapshot. This sharp increase points to growing consumer interest in remortgaging...
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 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...
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...
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If you have any questions about UK mortgage news or anything you’ve read then please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.