Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
UK Mortgage Market Update – 7th of September 2026
UK mortgage rates have started rising again as swap rates increase, while new data shows house prices falling annually for the first time since 2023. Here’s what changed between 31 August and 7 September 2026.
Can You Get a Mortgage on a Flat Above a Shop?
Can you get a mortgage on a flat above a shop? Find out what lenders consider, including the business below, your deposit, access, lease, mortgage valuation and future resaleability.
Do You Need Life Insurance for a Mortgage?
Do you need life insurance for a mortgage in the UK? Discover whether it’s compulsory, if you can get a mortgage without it, and which type of life insurance could help protect your home and family.
Nationwide New Build Mortgage Update: 95% LTV and Helping Hand for First-Time Buyers
Nationwide Building Society has just announced a significant update that could open the door to homeownership for thousands of prospective buyers. From today, the lender is increasing the Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits on new build properties, providing a much-needed...
Understanding Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratios and Why They Matter
Loan-to-value (LTV) is one of the most important concepts in mortgages, but many buyers don’t fully understand what it is or why it matters. At Oportfolio, we ensure our clients know how their deposit affects their options. There are lots of loan-to-value ratio...
TSB Mortgage Rates Dropped. Could This Be the Best Deal for Homebuyers?
TSB has announced a series of rate reductions across its residential mortgage range, happening immediately and offering more competitive deals for first-time buyers, home movers, and those using shared ownership or shared equity schemes. In this article we will...
Is It Better to Go Directly to a Bank or Use a Mortgage Broker?
When looking for a mortgage, one of the first decisions you’ll face is: should you go directly to a bank, or work with a mortgage broker? Both have their benefits, but depending on your situation, one path may be better. Bank vs mortgage broker. Which ultimately comes...
Remortgaging in London: When, Why, and How
If you do have an existing property in London, remortgaging could potentially save you thousands, or allow you to tap into cash for home improvements or other big plans. But at what time is best, and what do you expect? At Oportfolio, we remortgage London homeowners...
UK House Prices Slashed But First-Time Buyers Hit by £6.5k Tax
This summer we have seen UK house prices slashed, taking a significant turn in favour of buyers, according to the latest Summer Property Insights report from Barclays Bank. The research shows a clear yet surprising trend. Despite a red-hot start to the year driven by...
Mortgage Advice for Self-Employed Professionals in the UK
Self-employed people typically face particular challenges in securing a mortgage. Starting your own business is great, but it will complicate your path to homeownership. At Oportfolio, we often help freelancers, contractors, and entrepreneurs secure reasonably priced...
What Do Mortgage Brokers Actually Do?
When buying a home or remortgaging, you will be told to "speak with a mortgage broker", but what do they do and how can they help? At Oportfolio, our work as mortgage brokers is to take a complex process and make it simple and give you the best chance of mortgage...
TSB Increases Maximum Loan-to-Income Ratio for Self-Employed
TSB Bank has announced a significant change to its mortgage lending criteria, increasing the maximum loan-to-income (LTI) multiple for self-employed applicants. From today, self-employed individuals seeking a mortgage may be eligible to borrow up to 5.5 times their...
How to Get a Mortgage in London With a Small Deposit
Buying a home in London is daunting, especially if you have a small deposit. With housing prices significantly higher than other areas of the UK, it can be overwhelming for many potential buyers. Even so, a small deposit doesn't have to be a setback. This is how you...
How We Helped a First-Time Buyer Secure a Mortgage in Putney
Buying your first home is exciting, and sometimes overwhelming. Recently, we worked with a client, Sarah, a first-time buyer in her early 30s, who had just had an offer accepted on a one-bedroom flat in Putney. If you're looking for a first-time buyer mortgage, Putney...
The 5 Biggest Mortgage Mistakes Londoners Make
Buying property in London is a massive financial commitment, and the mortgage process can feel like a maze. Over the years at Oportfolio, we've seen many clients come to us after running into avoidable mistakes. Here's what we believe are the five biggest mortgage...
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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.