Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Why Are Mortgage Rates Going Up in the UK If the Base Rate Hasn’t Changed?
Why are mortgage rates going up in the UK even though the base rate hasn’t changed? This guide explains how swap rates, inflation expectations, and lender pricing affect mortgage rates, and what it means if you’re buying or remortgaging in 2026.
UK Mortgage Market Update – 23 March 2026
UK Mortgage Market Update – 23 March 2026 The UK mortgage market saw some important developments this week as the Bank of England held interest rates, lenders adjusted pricing, and housing market activity remained steady. Here’s what happened this week and what it...
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...
Mortgage Myths: First-Time Buyer Questions Answered by Property Experts
Buying your first home can feel like stepping into the unknown. With rising property prices, changing mortgage rates and complicated legal processes, many prospective buyers feel unsure about where to begin. To help clarify some of the most common concerns, Heidi...
UK Mortgage Market Update – 9 March 2026
UK Mortgage Market Update – 9 March 2026 This weekly UK mortgage market update explains what’s happening with mortgage rates, housing trends, and what it means for borrowers right now. The UK mortgage market saw some important developments this week as global economic...
Case Study: Helping a Self-Employed Buyer Secure a Mortgage After Their Bank Declined
Case Study: Helping a Self-Employed Buyer Secure a Mortgage After Their Bank Declined This mortgage case study is based on a real client scenario. Details have been simplified to protect client confidentiality. Self-employed borrowers often find applying for a...
What Salary Do I Need for a £500k Mortgage in the UK?
In most cases, you’ll need a salary of around £100,000–£125,000 to secure a £500k mortgage in the UK, depending on your deposit, income structure, and lender affordability rules. Below, we break down realistic salary scenarios, deposit examples and lender calculations...
Is it better to fix for 2 years or 5 years in 2026?
Is it better to fix for 2 years or 5 years in 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? This is one of the most common UK...
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...
What Salary Do I Need for a £400k Mortgage in the UK?
In most cases, you’ll need a salary of around £80,000–£100,000 to get a £400k mortgage in the UK, depending on your deposit, income type, and lender affordability rules. Below, we break down realistic salary scenarios, deposit examples and lender calculations so you...
Should I wait for mortgage rates to fall?
Should I wait for mortgage rates to fall? This week’s mortgage FAQ answers one of the most common questions we’re hearing from buyers and homeowners right now. Many people are wondering whether they should wait for rates to fall, or act sooner. Here’s what you need to...
UK Mortgage Market Update – 23 February 2026
UK Mortgage Market Update – 23 February 2026 The UK mortgage market continues to shift as inflation eases, interest rate expectations change, and house prices show signs of renewed momentum. Here’s what happened this week, and what it means if you’re buying,...
What Salary Do I Need for a £300k Mortgage in the UK?
In most cases, you’ll need a salary of around £60,000–£75,000 to get a £300k mortgage in the UK, depending on your deposit, income type, and lender affordability rules. Below, we break down real salary scenarios, deposit examples, and affordability tables so you can...
Case Study: £1m+ Mortgage Offer Secured in 7 Working Days
We helped a client to secure a £1 Million+ mortgage with bonus income within 7 working days. But, it wasn't as simple as it might seem. The Challenge A client with strong earnings needed a large mortgage quickly, but their income structure included variable bonus...
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