Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Santander Mortgages Improve Loan to Income Multiples for UK Buyers
Looking for Santander mortgages with better borrowing power? As of the 12th of August 2025, Santander has raised its Loan to Income (LTI) multiples, allowing UK homeowners to borrow more, especially for mortgages with up to 90% Loan to Value...
Private Bank Mortgages in the UK – Coutts Announces New Lending Criteria
If you’re exploring a private bank mortgage in the UK, you may already be aware of Coutts, one of the most recognised private banks in Britain. Known for working with high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and those with complex income, Coutts has recently updated...
How to Get a Mortgage in the UK – Your Top Questions Answered
Googling mortgage advice or asking AI helpers like ChatGPT how to buy a home? You're not the only one. At Oportfolio Mortgages, we totally get how overwhelming mortgages can be, especially with so much confusing information on the internet. We've gathered and answered...
HSBC Maximum Mortgage Lending Limits Increase
HSBC has today announced an increase in its maximum loan-to-value (LTV) lending limits for residential mortgages. The changes, effective from today, apply to all new-build properties and flats, including non-new-build flats, across the UK. In this news article I will...
What Is A Gifted Deposit & Do You Have To Declare It?
When purchasing a property, securing a sufficient deposit is one of the most significant financial hurdles you’ll encounter. Saving a large enough deposit, especially when you are having to pay rent and bills at the same time. Can be very difficult. For many, this...
Halifax Expands Foreign Income Mortgage Criteria
Halifax has announced a new exciting change to its mortgage application criteria, that is due to take effect on the 12th of August 2024. In a message to all mortgage brokers this morning, Halifax announced that they will now accept foreign income mortgage...
What Is The Own New Scheme?
The property market is constantly evolving, with prospective homeowners on the lookout for the best opportunities to secure their dream home. And with things like rising house prices and higher cost of living, it is becoming more difficult for people to make that leap...
Lenders Lower SVR Mortgages In Line With Bank of England
In a welcome move for homeowners with SVR mortgages, several leading mortgage lenders have already announced reductions in their Standard Variable Rate (SVR) mortgages following the Bank of England's decision to lower the base rate earlier this month. Effective from...
Zoopla House Price Report: Positive UK Property Market Trends
The UK's housing market is starting to look a lot more positive than it once did, with a notable increase in sales and buyers paying closer to asking prices, according to the latest data from property website Zoopla. The first half of 2024 has seen house prices...
UK Stamp Duty Residential Transactions Rise in June 2024
As head of content and marketing here at Oportfolio Mortgages, my job is to keep you, our clients, up to date and informed about the latest market news and trends. I am pleased to report to you in this article some interesting new data released by HMRC around property...
Mortgages For High-Net-Worth Individuals
When it comes to securing a mortgage, high-net-worth individuals often face a unique set of challenges. Contrary to what one might expect, having significant assets doesn't necessarily make the process straightforward. From complex income structures to the need for...
Swap Rates Decline, Boosting Homebuyer Affordability In The UK
Recent research from Octane Capital has revealed a promising forecast for mortgage rates in the UK. The study, which analysed average swap rates over 30 and 60-day periods, indicates that swap rates have started to decline. This shift could herald a significant...
Nationwide Cuts Mortgage Rates Below 4%, Leading Market Shift
Nationwide Building Society has announced a significant reduction in its mortgage rates, with the lowest rate now dipping below 4%. The mutual lender has reduced prices by up to 0.25% across its two-, three-, and five-year fixed-rate products, making it the first...
How Does Remortgaging Work?
Remortgaging can be a complex and stressful process, even for the most experienced mortgage customer. There are many factors to consider, and it's crucial to ensure you're making the right decision for your financial future. At Oportfolio, our goal is to help you make...
Second Charge Mortgage Loan Applications Are Increasing
The mortgage market is seeing a notable trend: second charge mortgage loan applications are on the rise. Recent data released today by the Finance & Leasing Association highlights that the value of second charge lending in May was 22% higher than the same month...
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