Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Santander Launches 98% Mortgage for First-Time Buyers
Santander has unveiled a new high loan-to-value mortgage aimed squarely at helping first-time buyers overcome one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership...saving for a deposit. The new product, called My First Mortgage, offers borrowing of up to 98% loan to value...
How Long Before A Mortgage Shortfall Debt Is Written Off?
If you’ve ever faced repossession, sold a property for less than the outstanding mortgage, or are trying to move on financially after a difficult period, you may be wondering how long before a shortfall debt is written off, and what your options really are. Mortgage...
NatWest Expands Mortgage Lending Criteria Allows Up to 6x Income Borrowing
NatWest has recently made some big changes to its mortgage lending criteria, increasing how much certain customers can borrow and improving affordability for higher-earning applicants across purchases and remortgages. The updates, which came into effect earlier this...
Universal Credit For Mortgage Applications Accepted By TSB
TSB has officially announced that it will now accept Universal Credit for mortgage applications as a source of income in residential mortgage affordability assessments. The change, which was announced and also went live on Thursday the 20th of November 2025, marks a...
How to Pay Off an Interest-Only Mortgage
Interest-only mortgages have become increasingly popular among borrowers looking for lower monthly payments and greater financial flexibility. But with those lower payments comes a major responsibility. You must have a reliable plan for repaying the capital at the end...
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...
It Now Takes 11 Years to Save for a Deposit
In 1974, the average first-time buyer could save a property deposit in just three months. Today, that same goal takes more than 11 years. Le that sink in. Santander’s figures from their latest market update starkly illustrate the affordability crisis facing first-time...
Why Some Mortgage Applications Fail – Even With a Good Deposit
It’s one of the most frustrating experiences a client can face. A mortgage application declined, despite a solid deposit and a clean credit record. According to Santander’s latest insights, there are a few hidden reasons this happens. In this article we are going to...
The Hidden Credit Factors That Could Affect Your Mortgage – Even With a Good Score
Most buyers assume that a clean credit file and a healthy Experian score mean smooth sailing for a mortgage application. Unfortunately, Santander’s latest update revealed that this isn’t always the case. The Unspoken Issue: Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Services such as...
Why Now Could Be the Time to Buy in London
It’s been a turbulent couple of years for property buyers, but according to Santander’s recent market briefing, there’s reason to believe that 2025 could signal a turning point. In this blog, we will discuss interest rates, market confidence, lending improvements in...
London Property Market – Signs of Growth After a Challenging Year
The past year has been a story of two Londons, one of international prestige and one of everyday life. According to Santander’s latest market update, London’s property market has weathered a difficult 12 months, but there are encouraging signs that the tide may be...
Wandsworth New Builds: Wandsworth Mills and Riverside Living
If you’ve been searching for the perfect blend of modern London living, riverside charm, and long-term property potential, Wandsworth Mills might just be the place you’ve been waiting for. This stunning new development in Wandsworth by Berkeley Group is redefining...
6.5x Income Multiples for HSBC Premier Mortgage Customers
Latest news in the mortgage market is that HSBC has announced that it will now offer up to 6.5x income multiples on residential mortgages for its Premier banking clients, one of the most generous lending limits available from a major UK bank! In this article we will...
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