Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
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...
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...
Low Deposit Mortgages Hit Two-Year High
The availability of low deposit mortgage deals has surged to its highest level in over two years, offering a glimmer of hope for prospective homebuyers. And in our eyes, this could signal that market stability is increasing. According to the latest data from...
We Helped Our Client Through Divorce And Property Struggles
Our client recently faced the complex and emotionally charged task of separating finances and property ownership after splitting from his partner. The couple had a joint mortgage on their residential property, a buy-to-let (BTL) property with a mortgage, and a second...
Property For Sale in Putney
Putney, a picturesque suburb of South West London, has long been a sought-after location for homebuyers. Conveniently located next to the River Thames, this charming area boasts a vibrant community, excellent amenities, and superb transport links. Whether you're...
Property Sales Surge And NatWest Reduces Mortgage Rates
From the 2nd of July 2024, NatWest is implementing a series of rate reductions across its mortgage product range, providing potential savings for both new and existing customers. This strategic move comes as the UK property market experiences a notable upswing, with...
NatWest Set To Reduce New Build Deposit Contribution
NatWest has announced a significant change to its mortgage lending criteria, which is poised to make a substantial impact on the new build property market. The high street bank has increased its loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for new build homes, a move that will enable...
What Is Stamp Duty For First-Time Buyers?
Purchasing a property is going to be expensive. Unfortunately there is no sugar coating it! Most homebuyers understand that there will be associated costs with purchasing a property. But many don’t know what these costs are, or what they mean. One significant cost...
Barclays Mortgage Rates Cut
Finally, some news that we have all almost literally been holding our breaths for! Barclays Bank has announced reductions in its mortgage rates, becoming the first of the 'Big 6' mortgage lenders to do so after the Bank of England hit its inflation target of 2%. The...
Barclays Interest Only Mortgage Requirements Updated
Barclays has announced significant changes to its interest only mortgage requirements, introducing a new tiered equity system based on the location of the security property. This update, effective immediately, is designed to provide a more location-specific approach...
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If you have any questions about UK mortgage news or anything you’ve read then please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.