Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Why Is Insurance Important? – Real Life Stories
Many people ask, “Why is insurance important?” In this guide, we share two real-life stories that highlight the importance of life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection, and why arranging protection early can safeguard your family’s financial future.
Does Having Investments Help You Get a Mortgage?
Can having investments improve your mortgage application? Learn how UK lenders assess investment portfolios, dividend income, ISAs and wealth when deciding how much you can borrow.
UK Mortgage Market Update – 27th of July 2026
The latest UK Mortgage Market Update covering 20th–27th July 2026, including mortgage rate changes, house price trends, Bank of England expectations and what borrowers should watch next.
Barclays Mortgage Rates Cut
Finally, some news that we have all almost literally been holding our breaths for! Barclays Bank has announced reductions in its mortgage rates, becoming the first of the 'Big 6' mortgage lenders to do so after the Bank of England hit its inflation target of 2%. The...
Adverse Credit Mortgage Criteria Eased by Hinckley & Rugby
In a significant move to make homeownership more accessible to different types of borrowers, Hinckley & Rugby for Intermediaries has announced relaxed criteria on its Credit Flex adverse credit mortgage product, designed for borrowers with adverse credit...
Metro Bank Buy-to-Let Mortgage and Interest-Only Changes
Metro Bank has recently announced significant enhancements to its interest-only and buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage criteria, marking a strategic move to strengthen its position as a leading specialist lender on the high street. These changes are designed to offer greater...
Halifax Minimum Mortgage Amount Increases
Halifax has announced an increase in the minimum mortgage amount for their 2 year and 5 year fixed-rate products, available through selected mortgage intermediaries. Historically, Halifax's minimum mortgage amount was £25,000, which is considered one of the lowest...
Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Early? Pros & Cons UK
Should you pay off your mortgage early? We explain the benefits and disadvantages of becoming mortgage-free, from interest savings and ERCs to liquidity and overpayments.
How Can You Reduce Mortgage Payments?
The last few months have been tough, there's no question about that. The rising cost of living in the UK has meant that the average person is now paying more for utilities like gas, water, and electricity. Food and drink prices have soared, and petrol and diesel now...
What Is A Product Transfer Mortgage?
Most mortgage borrowers are pretty clued up on the initial terms of their loan. Well, at least they should be if their mortgage broker has explained things to them! Normally you would fix your mortgage for a period of 2 to 5 years and enjoy the rate and product you...
Remortgaging For Debt Consolidation
Everyone talks about purchasing a property and the associated mortgage you secure. Then people talk about remortgaging or doing a product transfer to keep a good interest rate and mortgage product on your property. But very few people talk about what else remortgaging...
Do You Need Life Insurance For A Mortgage
Do You Need Life Insurance For A Mortgage? The simple answer is no, you do not need life insurance to get a mortgage. A mortgage lender will not reject your application if you do not have life insurance. However, there are significant benefits to having life insurance...
Jubilee House, Putney
Standing tall and imposing at the corner of Putney High Street and Putney Bridge Road is the impressive concrete modernist monolith, Jubilee House. When travelling into Putney, it’s impossible not to see the Jubilee House building. At only a short stroll away from...
In Conversation With Sophie Jones: Residential Conveyancing With William Sturges
Welcome to our exclusive interview with Sophie Jones, residential conveyancing solicitor and partner at William Sturges Solicitors, a prominent legal firm based in central London. After well over one hundred years of trading, William Sturges has established itself as...
How To Find The Landlord Of A Property
Being a rental tenant in 2024 can be tricky for a number of reasons, especially when you need to find out who the landlord is for a property. Whether you’re a tenant seeking to address a concern, a prospective renter, or simply someone looking to make an enquiry about...
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