Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
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?...
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...
First-Time Buyer Mortgages UK: Leeds & Virgin Cut Rates
The UK mortgage market has received a welcome boost this week as Leeds Building Society and Virgin Money both announce significant rate reductions, aiming to support first-time buyers and homeowners looking for better deals. But with rising property prices, high...
New Low Barclays Mortgage Rates Of 3.96% Announced
Barclays Bank has announced a new wave of mortgage rate reductions, with some products falling below 4% for the first time in months. As of the 4th of March 2025, the bank has lowered rates across a range of mortgage products, including its Green Home five-year...
Mortgage Rates Drop as Lenders Introduce New Sub-4% Deals
Fixed mortgage rates have fallen once again this week, with new sub-4% deals entering the market, according to Moneyfacts. However, despite these reductions, the average rates on two- and five-year fixed mortgages remained unchanged compared to the previous week. In...
The Rise of Later Life Mortgage Lending
Later life mortgage lending is on the rise in the UK, with more older borrowers securing mortgages than ever before. According to the latest UK Finance data, the number of mortgages taken out by older borrowers surged to 35,840 in Q4 2024, marking a significant 28.2%...
New Visa Buy-to-Let Mortgage Range from Hinckley & Rugby
Hinckley & Rugby Building Society has unveiled a new Visa Buy-to-Let mortgage range, aiming to support skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors on visas in purchasing or refinancing property in the UK. This initiative reflects the growing demand for...
Halifax and Clydesdale Mortgage Rates Cut
Homebuyers and homeowners looking to secure a new mortgage deal could benefit from fresh cuts to Halifax and Clydesdale mortgage rates. Both lenders have announced reductions across a range of mortgage products, making borrowing slightly more affordable in an ever...
UK Inflation Hits 3%: A Warning Sign For Mortgages?
UK inflation has surged to 3% in January 2025, its highest level since March last year, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This rise (unexpected or not) from December’s 2.5% reading is sending shockwaves through the economy,...
How Mortgage Is Calculated
When applying for a mortgage, one of the most crucial steps is understanding how lenders calculate how much you can borrow or how mortgage is calculated. Mortgage calculations are based on a range of factors, including income, outgoings, employment type, and deposit...
Buy-To-Let Mortgage Tax Relief for Landlords
Investing in a buy-to-let property can be a lucrative venture, offering long-term rental income and potential capital appreciation for those looking to invest their money somewhere. However, landlords must also consider the financial responsibilities, including tax...
First-Time Buyer Age in the UK Rises To 33 New Research Reveals
The number of first-time buyers in the UK saw a significant increase in 2024, with 341,068 people stepping onto the property ladder. This marks a 19% rise compared to 2023, according to the latest research from Halifax. First-time buyers made up 54% of all home...
Santander and Barclays Mortgage Rates Drop Below 4%
Well Ladies and Gentlemen…it has finally happened! The UK mortgage market has taken an exciting turn as two major lenders, Santander and Barclays, introduce mortgage products with interest rates below 4%! This is something that we have all been waiting for as rates...
NatWest Mortgages Announce Significant Rate Reductions
NatWest mortgages have this morning unveiled a series of rate reductions across their mortgage product offerings, set to take effect from the 12th of February 2025. The new changes are specifically for new business rates, existing customer deals, and additional...
We're Here to Help
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.












