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 – 2 March 2026
UK Mortgage Market Update – 2 March 2026 The UK mortgage market continues to shift as expectations around interest rates change, mortgage pricing stabilises, and house price data shows renewed momentum. Here’s what happened this week, and what it means if you’re...
Case Study: How We Helped a London Buyer Borrow £80,000 More Than Their Bank Offered
How We Helped a London Buyer Borrow £80,000 More Than Their Bank Offered The Situation Our clients were a London-based professional couple looking to buy their next home with a required mortgage of £700,000. They had strong incomes and a solid deposit in place, but...
What Salary Do I Need for a £400k Mortgage in the UK?
In most cases, you’ll need a salary of around £80,000–£100,000 to get a £400k mortgage in the UK, depending on your deposit, income type, and lender affordability rules. Below, we break down realistic salary scenarios, deposit examples and lender calculations so you...
London Square Wandsworth Common: New Homes in SW17
If you’re searching for stylish, modern living in a fantastic, well-connected part of South West London, London Square Wandsworth Common is a development you’ll want at the top of your list. Situated a short walk from the iconic parkland of Wandsworth Common and...
King George’s Gate Earlsfield: New Build Homes in SW18
If you’re looking for an Earlsfield new build that doesn’t lose any of the unbeatable South West London charm, King George’s Gate is one of the most exciting developments currently taking shape. Delivered by Taylor Wimpey, this collection of high-quality apartments...
New Accord Mortgages Criteria for First-Time Buyers and JBSP
Today, Accord Mortgages has announced major criteria changes designed to be a real game changer for first-time buyers and those using Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) structures to boost their mortgage affordability. These changes could make a meaningful...
Can I Get a Second Mortgage?
Thinking of buying a second property? Whether it’s for extra space, family use, a future investment, or even the occasional getaway, many people eventually find themselves asking, “Can I get a second mortgage?” The short answer is yes, second home mortgages are...
What is Service Charge and Ground Rent? And What Does Leasehold Mean?
If you're thinking about buying a flat, you’ll quickly come across three terms that can feel a bit confusing at first. These terms are service charge, ground rent, and leasehold. They’re all important, not just for understanding your long-term costs, but also when...
Universal Credit For Mortgage Applications Accepted By TSB
TSB has officially announced that it will now accept Universal Credit for mortgage applications as a source of income in residential mortgage affordability assessments. The change, which was announced and also went live on Thursday the 20th of November 2025, marks a...
How to Pay Off an Interest-Only Mortgage
Interest-only mortgages have become increasingly popular among borrowers looking for lower monthly payments and greater financial flexibility. But with those lower payments comes a major responsibility. You must have a reliable plan for repaying the capital at the end...
Barclays Increases Maximum Loan-to-Income to 6x
Barclays has announced a major update to its affordability policy, increasing its maximum residential loan-to-income (LTI) multiple from 5.5x to 6x. This change is significant for borrowers who need a higher income stretch to secure the mortgage they want, especially...
What Is A Mortgage Holiday?
What Is a Mortgage Holiday? A mortgage holiday, also known as a mortgage payment holiday, is a temporary break from making your regular monthly mortgage payments. It’s an arrangement made with your lender that allows you to pause your repayments for a short, agreed...
The Truth About “5x Income” Mortgages – What Banks Don’t Tell You
It sounds simple enough, “We lend up to 5x your income.” But as Santander’s latest market update made clear, these catchy marketing lines can be misleading. In this bite sized blog, we will explore larger income multiple borrowing and what it actually means to people...
It Now Takes 11 Years to Save for a Deposit
In 1974, the average first-time buyer could save a property deposit in just three months. Today, that same goal takes more than 11 years. Le that sink in. Santander’s figures from their latest market update starkly illustrate the affordability crisis facing first-time...
Why Some Mortgage Applications Fail – Even With a Good Deposit
It’s one of the most frustrating experiences a client can face. A mortgage application declined, despite a solid deposit and a clean credit record. According to Santander’s latest insights, there are a few hidden reasons this happens. In this article we are going to...
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