Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
5 Mortgage Myths That Might Be Holding You Back
Don't Let Mortgage Myths Delay Your Property Plans. If you're thinking about buying your first home, or even remortgaging, you've probably heard a few things that made you pause. At Oportfolio Mortgages, we help clients in London and beyond overcome mortgage confusion...
TSB Cuts Fixed Mortgage Rates for Home Buyers: July 2025 Update
In a move that is set to accommodate first-time buyers and home movers, TSB reduced its fixed mortgage rates to enable them to ascend the property ladder. The changes, which were unveiled in July 2025, form part of a broader shake-up in residential, Buy to Let, and...
First-Time Buyer Mortgages Could Benefit from Lending Rule Changes
UK first-time buyer mortgages may become cheaper following a crucial suggestion by the Bank of England to ease current lending limits on increased loan-to-income ratios. In its latest Financial Stability Report, the Bank suggested providing lenders with more...
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...
Understanding TSB’s Mortgage Affordability Criteria
Buying a home is a significant financial milestone, and securing a mortgage is often a crucial step in this process. TSB, a prominent retail and commercial bank, has established a set of mortgage affordability criteria to ensure that potential borrowers can...
Pros and Cons of Buying Property With Friends or Family
Purchasing a residential house is a significant milestone in anyone's life, often symbolising financial stability and personal achievement. However, the soaring property prices in recent years have made this dream a bit more challenging to attain. Mortgage...
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