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...
HSBC Mortgage Rates Smash Competition At 3.81%
HSBC mortgage rates have truly smashed their competition to smithereens by introducing a product with an interest rate as low as 3.81%. Although not currently the absolute lowest rate on the market, HSBC has beaten many other high street banks so far in the rate war...
Nationwide And Barclays Cut UK Mortgage Rates To 3.78%
In what is quickly becoming something like a UK mortgage rates price battle, lenders are firing rate reductions left, right, and centre. Paving the way for some very favourable mortgage opportunities for the remaining four months of 2024, leading into 2025. I have to...
Transport Links In London And Buying Property
Living in the capital is great. Whether you are a young professional forging your career in the big city, or a seasoned 'Londoner' who just loves everything about the metropolitan lifestyle. There is something for everyone. And getting a slice of real estate for...
Virgin Money Mortgage Rates Drop Below 4%
Virgin Money mortgage rates have tumbled to below 4% this week! A very welcome rate reduction came from the money lending arm of Richard Branson’s Virgin empire. This rate reduction is just one of many from lenders dropping their rates as economic stability returns to...
Guide Price vs Asking Price
So you are ready to purchase a new home. It could be the first house or flat that you have ever bought. It could be your next family home with that extra bit of space. Or it could be a property that you are investing money in and plan on letting out as a buy-to-let....
Remortgage For Home Improvements
Your home is more than just a place to live; it’s one of your biggest financial assets. Property values are rising after a slight slump over the last 12 months, and your mortgage balance obviously decreases over time, meaning that you may actually find yourself...
New Skipton First Time Buyer Mortgage Range
Skipton Building Society has today announced an exciting new range of mortgage products aimed specifically at first-time buyers, offering greater flexibility and accessibility in an increasingly challenging property market. This new range comes at a time where first...
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...
We're Here to Help
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.