Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Santander Launches 98% Mortgage for First-Time Buyers
Santander has unveiled a new high loan-to-value mortgage aimed squarely at helping first-time buyers overcome one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership...saving for a deposit. The new product, called My First Mortgage, offers borrowing of up to 98% loan to value...
How Long Before A Mortgage Shortfall Debt Is Written Off?
If you’ve ever faced repossession, sold a property for less than the outstanding mortgage, or are trying to move on financially after a difficult period, you may be wondering how long before a shortfall debt is written off, and what your options really are. Mortgage...
NatWest Expands Mortgage Lending Criteria Allows Up to 6x Income Borrowing
NatWest has recently made some big changes to its mortgage lending criteria, increasing how much certain customers can borrow and improving affordability for higher-earning applicants across purchases and remortgages. The updates, which came into effect earlier this...
How To Build A Property Portfolio
If you’ve ever wondered how to build a property portfolio in the UK, then this is the right blog for you. More and more people are looking at property investment as a way to generate long-term wealth, diversify income streams, and build financial security for the...
New HSBC Top Slicing Mortgage Criteria Announced
HSBC has announced a major policy change that’s set to help landlords across the country the introduction of top slicing for buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage applications. This new approach gives investors the ability to use personal income alongside rental income when...
How to Buy a Property at Auction with a Mortgage in the UK
Property auctions provide a fast-paced and exciting way of acquiring your next property or home, but the majority of potential buyers believe you have to be a cash buyer to take part. To the dismay of many, you can bid on an auctioned residential property using a...
Barnes Mortgage Advice: Buying or Remortgaging in SW13
Tucked beside a sweeping bend of the River Thames, Barnes has long been one of south-west London’s best-kept secrets. Cobblestoned streets lead you past Georgian terraces, pretty courtyards and village greens, and yet central London is only a short train ride away. It...
How We Helped a Family Save £300 a Month on Their Mortgage
Looking for ways to cut your monthly mortgage bill? This real-life case study shows how our team at Oportfolio Mortgages in Putney helped one local family reduce their repayments by £300 every month, without moving home or changing their lifestyle. Just with the help...
Barclays Now Offers 90% LTV on Second Residential Properties
Barclays has announced a big update to its lending criteria, increasing the maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) to 90% for applicants who already own another residential property with an existing mortgage. Previously capped at 80% LTV, the new policy applies to both...
Suffolk Building Society Launches JBSP Mortgages Up to 90% LTV
Suffolk Building Society has implemented a series of important reforms to its lending criteria, welcoming more and more UK borrowers to its products. This comes after enhancements to Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) mortgages, improved lending conditions for new...
HSBC and Virgin Money Increase Mortgage Rates September 2025
Two of Britain's biggest lenders, Virgin Money and HSBC, both last week revealed mortgage rate increases, which will take effect this September. The increases affect a broad range of products in the purchase, remortgage, buy-to-let (BTL), and product transfer ranges...
TSB Cuts Rates on Additional Borrowing Mortgages
TSB has released some refreshed rate changes across its range of mortgages today, including reductions in residential further borrowing mortgages, as part of the lender's strategy to improve affordability and meet customers' evolving needs. Here is what you need to...
HSBC Increases Mortgage Borrowing Power for First-Time Buyers
HSBC has made notable changes to its policy for residential mortgage lending, with the most considerable reforms designed to make it simpler for first-time buyers (FTBs) to climb the ladder. From Monday the 1st of September 2025, the lender has increased FTB...
Buying a Property in Fulham: Mortgage Advice & Market Tips
Thinking of moving to Fulham? You’re not alone. This popular South West London neighbourhood continues to attract young professionals, growing families, and overseas buyers who want riverside living with easy access to central London. But with demand for property in...
Accord Mortgages Updates Criteria: 90% LTV for Foreign Nationals
Accord Mortgages has made substantial criteria updates that will make more UK borrowers mortgage lending eligible, particularly foreign nationals without Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and Universal Credit claimants. The changes show Accord's renowned 'common sense'...
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