Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio

Sole Trader Mortgage Myths Stop Applications In Their Tracks
New research from specialist lender The Mortgage Lender (TML) reveals that a large number of self-employed individuals, particularly sole traders, are being held back from homeownership by widespread sole trader mortgage misconceptions. According to TML’s study, 28%...

Mortgage Rates Are Falling. But Could I Borrow More Too?
With mortgage rates dropping and headlines buzzing, many homeowners and first-time buyers are excited about lower monthly repayments. But there’s more good news that’s flying under the radar, falling interest rates are also increasing how much some buyers can borrow....

NatWest Unveils Changes to Mortgages For First-Time Buyers
First-time buyers searching for ways to get on the property ladder in 2025 have just received a welcome boost from NatWest. The high street bank has announced a series of major changes to its mortgage affordability rules, as well as the launch of a brand-new...
Breaking News: Santander Unveils Game-Changing Sub 4% Mortgages
Today Santander has announced a ground breaking reduction in interest rates, with selected residential new business and product transfer 60% Loan-to-Value (LTV) 5-year fixed rates dropping below the 4% mark. A sub 4% mortgage offering has not been seen for many months...
Barclays Announces Significant Reductions in Mortgage Interest Rates
In a positive development for potential homebuyers, Barclays has just announced substantial reductions in mortgage interest rates across its Residential Purchase range. The news, delivered in a communication to brokers at Oportfolio Mortgages this morning, reveals...
How Important Is Honesty When Applying For Life Insurance?
When it comes to personal insurance, the foundation of a robust and reliable coverage plan always lies in the accuracy of the information provided during the application stage. Whether you're applying for life insurance or critical illness insurance or any other kind...
Accord and Bank of Ireland Make Changes to Mortgage Products
Accord Mortgages and Bank of Ireland have today announced some significant changes to their mortgage product ranges, impacting both Buy to Let and Residential offerings. The alterations are set to take effect on Tuesday the 9th of January 2024, with each lender...
Halifax House Price Index Reveals December Surge But Warns of Potential 2024 Downturn
In the latest Halifax House Price Index report for December 2023, UK house prices have experienced a third consecutive monthly rise, but experts caution a potential downturn in 2024. December UK House Price Surge According to the Halifax House Price Index, the average...
Income Protection vs Critical Illness Cover
In today's unpredictable economy, being successful and prospering usually boils down to keeping your finances in check. To safeguard against these uncertainties, financial protection becomes essential, especially if you have people and assets to protect. And two...
TSB Makes 2024 Changes To Mortgage Rates
TSB has just announced substantial changes to mortgage rates set to take effect on Friday the 5th of January 2024. The news comes as a welcome development for prospective homeowners and existing borrowers looking to secure a more favourable deal this year, in what...
HSBC Announces Cuts to Mortgage Rates in the New Year
In another move that is sure to delight homeowners and potential buyers alike, HSBC has unveiled a series of reductions to its mortgage product rates, effective from Thursday the 4th of January 2024. The adjustments span across various residential and buy-to-let (BTL)...
Do I Need Critical Illness Cover?
Life is a journey fraught with unexpected twists and turns, and not all of them bring joy unfortunately. While it's human nature to avoid dwelling on the negative aspects of our health, the reality is that many of us will face a serious illness at some point in our...
Halifax Storms into 2024 with Some Big Mortgage Changes
This morning Halifax has unveiled significant changes to its mortgage product range, leaving homebuyers and homeowners alike with plenty to celebrate as they step into the new year. The alterations, spanning Homebuyer, Remortgage, Product Transfer, and Further Advance...
Equity Release Mortgages in 2024
As 2023 draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the past year's trends in the mortgage market and look ahead to what 2024 may hold. In a message to Oportfolio Mortgages brokers, Mike Hardy of The Equity Release Experts offers a promising outlook for the coming year,...
A Shift Towards Ethical Mortgages Gains Momentum
In a noteworthy trend, our advisors at Oportfolio Mortgages have seen a significant increase in client requests for mortgages aligned with ethical banking practices. This shift reflects a growing awareness among consumers about the impact of their financial decisions...
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