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

Santander and Barclays Mortgage Rates Drop Below 4%
Well Ladies and Gentlemen…it has finally happened! The UK mortgage market has taken an exciting turn as two major lenders, Santander and Barclays, introduce mortgage products with interest rates below 4%! This is something that we have all been waiting for as rates...

NatWest Mortgages Announce Significant Rate Reductions
NatWest mortgages have this morning unveiled a series of rate reductions across their mortgage product offerings, set to take effect from the 12th of February 2025. The new changes are specifically for new business rates, existing customer deals, and additional...

Government Announces Major Changes For UK Homebuyers
It’s looking likely that millions of UK homebuyers are about to benefit from long-overdue improvements to the home buying and selling process, the government has announced over the last couple of days! With a new initiative to slash delays and reduce the number of...
Could a Fixed 40-Year Mortgage Help Ease the Mortgage Crisis?
In the midst of the ongoing mortgage crisis and economic crisis in general, experts and policymakers are turning their attention to new solutions to alleviate the burden put on homeowners and hopefully revive the housing market. One potential measure gaining traction...
Barclays Announces Reduction in Rates for Home Buyers
Good news for prospective home buyers! Barclays, one of the big six of UK's leading mortgage providers, has announced a substantial reduction in mortgage rates for home buyers, hopefully making homeownership more affordable and accessible moving forward. The move...
First-Time Buyer Mortgage Rates Rise Despite Falling Inflation
Last week it was announced, to much joy and relief, that inflation in the UK had fallen to a level below what was initially predicted. The Bank of England are currently aiming for an inflation rate of 2%. Despite drastic measures being taken with interest rate rises,...
Santander for Intermediaries Increase Mortgage Rates
In a move that may impact both new and existing borrowers, Santander for intermediaries has recently made adjustments to its mortgage rates and products. The high street bank's broker-only arm has raised selected residential and landlord rates, prompting reactions...
HSBC Announces Mortgage Rate Drops with Cashback Incentive
In a move set to benefit thousands of homeowners and potential buyers, HSBC has announced a series of changes to its residential mortgage product ranges. Starting from Wednesday the 26th July 2023, the bank is implementing a range of adjustments that will provide...
Skipton Makes Changes to Buy-To-Let Stress Rates
Skipton, one of the leading mortgage providers in the UK, has announced significant changes to its buy-to-let criteria, affecting landlords across the UK. The modifications include adjustments to the Buy-to-Let Stress Rate for different fixed-term products. The stress...
First-Time Home Buyer Questions To Ask A Mortgage Broker
Questions to ask for first-time home buyers answered by Oportfolio Getting on the property ladder can feel like an impossible task. Although still a challenge for many, there is a lot of help available for first-time buyers to get a mortgage and their first home. Here...
UK Property Market Shows Moderate Growth
In the 12 months leading up to May 2023, the UK property market experienced a moderate increase in average house prices, according to the latest data released by The Office for National Statistics (ONS). The report indicates that the average house price across the UK...
NatWest and Coutts Increase Mortgage Rates Despite Drop in Inflation to 7.9%
This afternoon, mortgage lenders NatWest and Coutts, have announced rate increases on their mortgage products, despite the recent drop in inflation to 7.9%. The decision has left many customers puzzled, as the current economic climate suggests that there could soon be...
UK Inflation Rate Falls to 7.9% in July 2023
In a surprising turn of events, the UK inflation rate has dropped to 7.9% in July 2023, marking a significant decrease from recent highs. It now stands at the lowest it has been in 16 months! The news comes as a relief to homeowners and potential buyers who have been...
Metro Bank Updates Expand Product Offerings
London based mortgage lender Metro Bank has recently unveiled the upgraded version of its mortgage origination platform. The platform aims to revolutionise the mortgage application process for intermediaries while laying the groundwork for the launch of new products...
What Is A Part And Part Mortgage?
When it comes to mortgages, there are various types available to suit different financial situations and goals. Sometimes a standard repayment and interest loan is neither beneficial or appropriate for a borrower, and alternative repayment methods might be more...
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