Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Barclays Increases Maximum Loan-to-Income to 6x
Barclays has announced a major update to its affordability policy, increasing its maximum residential loan-to-income (LTI) multiple from 5.5x to 6x. This change is significant for borrowers who need a higher income stretch to secure the mortgage they want, especially...
What Is A Mortgage Holiday?
What Is a Mortgage Holiday? A mortgage holiday, also known as a mortgage payment holiday, is a temporary break from making your regular monthly mortgage payments. It’s an arrangement made with your lender that allows you to pause your repayments for a short, agreed...
The Truth About “5x Income” Mortgages – What Banks Don’t Tell You
It sounds simple enough, “We lend up to 5x your income.” But as Santander’s latest market update made clear, these catchy marketing lines can be misleading. In this bite sized blog, we will explore larger income multiple borrowing and what it actually means to people...
TSB Increases Mortgage Rates Ahead of November Budget
TSB is increasing mortgage rates on its chosen 5-year fixed products from the 22nd of October 2025, a move that reflects heightened caution in the mortgage market as lenders respond to potential fiscal changes in the upcoming Autumn Budget. The rate changes will both...
Santander for Intermediaries: How It Helps Our Clients
When it comes to securing the best possible mortgage for our clients, having access to exclusive products, flexible lending criteria, and dedicated broker support can make all the difference. That’s where Santander for Intermediaries comes in, one of the UK’s leading...
Luxury Property Rentals With a Curious Edge – An Interview With Curious Retreats
In just a few short years, Curious Retreats has become one of Suffolk’s most distinctive names in the luxury holiday rental space, combining the charm of handpicked properties with a genuine passion for hospitality. Founded by Tim Ripman and Tim Cook, the company has...
Barclays Boosts Mortgage Affordability With New Income Rules
Barclays has made a significant change to its mortgage affordability criteria, expanding the amount of bonus, overtime, and commission income that can be used in lending assessments. Under the new approach, Barclays will now include variable income up to four times a...
TSB ERC-Free Tracker Mortgages for Buyers and Landlords
TSB has announced that its popular Early Repayment Charge (ERC)-free tracker mortgages are still available across both its residential and buy-to-let ranges, a rare and flexible option for UK borrowers in an uncertain interest-rate market. These tracker mortgage...
High Value Mortgages for the 5th Wealthiest City in the World
London may be the UK's capital, but it's officially the 5th wealthiest city in the world. It has over 350,000 millionaires living within it, hundreds of international headquarters, and some of the world's most desirable property, so it's no mystery that high value...
How To Build A Property Portfolio
If you’ve ever wondered how to build a property portfolio in the UK, then this is the right blog for you. More and more people are looking at property investment as a way to generate long-term wealth, diversify income streams, and build financial security for the...
New HSBC Top Slicing Mortgage Criteria Announced
HSBC has announced a major policy change that’s set to help landlords across the country the introduction of top slicing for buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage applications. This new approach gives investors the ability to use personal income alongside rental income when...
How to Buy a Property at Auction with a Mortgage in the UK
Property auctions provide a fast-paced and exciting way of acquiring your next property or home, but the majority of potential buyers believe you have to be a cash buyer to take part. To the dismay of many, you can bid on an auctioned residential property using a...
Barnes Mortgage Advice: Buying or Remortgaging in SW13
Tucked beside a sweeping bend of the River Thames, Barnes has long been one of south-west London’s best-kept secrets. Cobblestoned streets lead you past Georgian terraces, pretty courtyards and village greens, and yet central London is only a short train ride away. It...
How We Helped a Family Save £300 a Month on Their Mortgage
Looking for ways to cut your monthly mortgage bill? This real-life case study shows how our team at Oportfolio Mortgages in Putney helped one local family reduce their repayments by £300 every month, without moving home or changing their lifestyle. Just with the help...
Barclays Now Offers 90% LTV on Second Residential Properties
Barclays has announced a big update to its lending criteria, increasing the maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) to 90% for applicants who already own another residential property with an existing mortgage. Previously capped at 80% LTV, the new policy applies to both...
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