Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
What Is Critical Illness Cover? Your Questions Answered
What is critical illness cover and do you need it? Learn how it works, what it covers, and how it protects your mortgage and finances in the UK.
Common First-Time Buyer Mistakes to Avoid
Discover the most common first-time buyer mistakes in the UK and how to avoid them to save money and secure the right mortgage.
First-Time Buyer Myths Explained
First time buyer myths explained. Discover the truth about deposits, credit, and mortgages for first-time homebuyers in the UK.
The Mortgage Lender: Game Changer in the UK Mortgage Market
If there is anything that we can say about the mortgage market in the UK it is that it is an ever-evolving and quite unpredictable entity. As the economic landscape changes with the times, so do the people. When it comes to mortgages, things simply aren't black and...
The Mortgage Works Introduces Sub-5% BTL Mortgage Products
In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the mortgage market, The Mortgage Works (TMW), the buy-to-let arm of Nationwide Building Society, has thrown a bit of a lifeline to property investors by unveiling sub 5% buy-to-let mortgage products. Notably, TMW...
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
At Oportfolio Mortgages, we regularly work with clients who require more specialist borrowing advice, including later life lending and equity release. Because equity release is a highly specialised area of the market, we work closely with trusted specialists to ensure...
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...
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...
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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