Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Best London Neighbourhoods for First-Time Buyers in 2025
Buying your first home in London can be an exhilarating but daunting process. With house prices varying so wildly across the capital, it's important to find a location that balances affordability, transport links, facilities, and growth potential just right. Day in,...
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How Much Deposit Do I Need for a Mortgage in the UK? [2025 Guide for First-Time Buyers]
Quick Answer Most UK mortgage lenders require at least a 5% deposit, but putting down 10% to 20% can unlock better rates. For a £250,000 home, that’s a minimum of £12,500. The more you put down, the more affordable your mortgage is long-term. What Is a Mortgage...
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...
Private Rental Sector Shows Slow Decline
The Bank of England has recently released a report shedding light on the current state of the private rental sector in the UK. This measurement of landlord property transactions from the Bank of England reveals that the sector has been experiencing a gradual...
Bank of England Mortgage Lenders & Administrators Statistics
The Bank of England has released its Mortgage Lenders and Administrators Statistics for the second quarter of 2023, shedding light on the state of the UK's residential mortgage market. The report paints a complex picture, with notable changes in outstanding mortgage...
Skipton Announces Mortgage Rate Changes and Extensions
In a move aimed at providing relief to homeowners and potential buyers amid high mortgage rates, Skipton Building Society has announced a series of mortgage rate changes and product extensions set to take effect on the 12th of September 2023. The building society,...
Equity Release Expert Mike Hardy’s Latest Market Update Reveals Challenges and Optimism
As part of Oportfolio Mortgages' effort to help clients with diverse mortgage needs, we partner with a specialist equity release company who we refer all of our equity release enquiries to. Very fittingly called 'The Equity Release Experts'. In a recent market update,...
Kent Provides Mortgages For People With Second Jobs
In 2023, the concept of a traditional 9-to-5 job has given way to the rise of the "gig" economy. This new way of working allows individuals to work multiple jobs, diversify their income sources, and enjoy the financial benefits of a flexible work schedule. Whether...
House Prices Drop by £14,000 in a Year – Fastest Decline in 14 Years
House prices in the United Kingdom experienced their most substantial annual decline in 14 years, with the average property value falling by £14,000 over the past year, according to a report released by the Halifax. The data, which was compiled until the end of August...
The Mortgage Lender (TML)’s September 2023 Economic Update
In the ever-changing landscape of the mortgage and housing market, staying informed about economic trends and policy shifts is crucial for prospective homebuyers, homeowners, and industry professionals such as ourselves at Oportfolio Mortgages. The Mortgage Lender...
BM Solutions Announces Changes to Buy-to-Let Stress Rates
In a move that could impact landlords and property investors across the UK, BM Solutions (also known as Birmingham Midshires) has today announced significant changes to its buy-to-let stress rates, set to take effect on Thursday the 7th of September 2023. These...
Why Use A Mortgage Broker Instead Of A Bank
When it comes to securing a mortgage for your dream home, you have two primary options: working with a mortgage broker or going directly to a bank or lender. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, and the decision of whether to go to a mortgage broker or...
UK Mortgage Lenders Slash Rates in Late Summer 2023
As summer draws to a close in the UK, there's good news on the horizon for prospective homebuyers, property investors, and those looking to restructure their existing mortgages. Several major UK mortgage lenders have announced rate reductions and new competitive...
NatWest Buy-To-Let Stress Rate Reduced
In a move that is set to benefit landlords and property investors across the UK, NatWest has recently unveiled some reductions in their Buy-to-Let stress rate tests. The adjustments, which come into effect immediately, reflect NatWest's commitment to supporting the...
New NatWest Criteria for Non-UK Nationals Purchasing in the UK
In a recent move that is set to simplify the mortgage application process for non-UK nationals, NatWest has unveiled a new policy change concerning the use of share codes in conjunction with passports. This new change to NatWest's criteria opens up new possibilities...
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