Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
What Salary Do I Need for a £900k Mortgage in the UK?
In most cases, you’ll need a household income of around £180,000–£225,000 to secure a £900k mortgage in the UK, depending on your deposit size, income structure, and lender affordability rules. Below, we break down realistic salary scenarios, lender calculations, and...
Should I Fix My Mortgage Now or Wait in 2026?
Should you fix your mortgage now or wait in the UK? This guide explains how mortgage rates work, the risks of waiting, and how to decide based on your situation in 2026.
UK Mortgage Market Update – 30th of March 2026
UK mortgage rates are rising again in March 2026 despite the base rate holding. This update explains what’s driving changes and what it means for buyers and remortgages.
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...
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...
Zoopla House Price Report: Positive UK Property Market Trends
The UK's housing market is starting to look a lot more positive than it once did, with a notable increase in sales and buyers paying closer to asking prices, according to the latest data from property website Zoopla. The first half of 2024 has seen house prices...
UK Stamp Duty Residential Transactions Rise in June 2024
As head of content and marketing here at Oportfolio Mortgages, my job is to keep you, our clients, up to date and informed about the latest market news and trends. I am pleased to report to you in this article some interesting new data released by HMRC around property...
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...
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