Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio

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,...
NatWest Switcher Offer Increases Mortgage Rates and Terms
We've just received an important update from NatWest regarding changes to their mortgage offerings for existing customers looking at switcher products. At the end of 2023 and in the first few weeks and months of 2024, lenders had been reducing rates like they were...
Personal Finance for Women: Quick Tips
Happy International Women’s Day! Our team at Oportfolio is a mostly female run outfit, and they are the best in the industry! Our Senior Mortgage and Protection Adviser Jade Pinkerton has put together some quick finance tips for women when looking at personal...
Skipton ‘Track Record Mortgage’ for Low House Deposit
Skipton Building Society has relaunched a popular mortgage product, the 'Track Record Mortgage'. Originally aimed at first-time potential borrowers looking for a low house deposit loan, Skipton has today announced that the product will now extend to both renting...
Santander New Build Mortgage With 95% LTVs
Santander has recently announced a significant expansion of its mortgage offerings, particularly targeting first-time buyers and those looking to invest in new build properties. On the 1st of March 2024, the bank unveiled a range of New Build 3-year fixed rate...
Nationwide Increases Maximum Remortgage Loan To Value
Nationwide Building Society has recently announced a significant enhancement to its remortgage options, offering homeowners greater flexibility and accessibility in refinancing their properties. The building society has raised the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratios...
Mortgage In Principle For First Time Buyer Helped Secure Million-Pound Home!
In Pimlico, Central London, where property prices soar and competition is fierce, one determined first-time buyer dared to dream big. With a hefty deposit and a six-figure salary, he set his sights on a coveted property listed at over £1,000,000. But in this cutthroat...
Options for First-Time Buyers in a Tough UK Mortgage Market
In a recent analysis by Mortgage Broker Tools (MBT) in collaboration with Pepper Money, disheartening statistics have emerged for first-time buyers in the UK. The data reveals a stark reality: the number of affordable options for first-time buyers plummeted by 40% in...
HSBC Mortgage Rates on the Rise
HSBC has announced adjustments to its residential and Buy to Let (BTL) mortgage product ranges effective from Friday the 23rd of February 2024. The changes, spanning different loan-to-value (LTV) ratios and fixed-rate terms, signal a trend of increasing rates among...
Does Your Insurance Cover You For 100% Of Malignant Cancers?
Facing a diagnosis of cancer is a daunting prospect, both emotionally and financially. While insurance can provide a safety net during such a challenging time, it's crucial to understand the extent of coverage offered, especially when it comes to malignant cancers. In...
Children’s Critical Illness Cover
In today's unpredictable world, being financially resilient is paramount, especially when it comes to safeguarding the well-being of your family. While conversations about financial security often revolve around protecting oneself or a partner against serious...
Coventry Raises Mortgage Rates: What You Need to Know
Coventry Building Society has recently announced changes to its mortgage rates, affecting both new and existing borrowers across various categories. In a communication sent out to Oportfolio mortgages today, Coventry have announced several rate increases. Here's a...
Epic Mortgage Rate Revolution: How We Saved Clients Thousands
In the fast-paced world of mortgages, timing is everything. As an experienced mortgage broker, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve and ensuring our clients secure the best possible deals. Recently, we embarked on a mission to proactively review and adjust...
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