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...
Skipton Makes Changes to Buy-To-Let Stress Rates
Skipton, one of the leading mortgage providers in the UK, has announced significant changes to its buy-to-let criteria, affecting landlords across the UK. The modifications include adjustments to the Buy-to-Let Stress Rate for different fixed-term products. The stress...
First-Time Home Buyer Questions To Ask A Mortgage Broker
Questions to ask for first-time home buyers answered by Oportfolio Getting on the property ladder can feel like an impossible task. Although still a challenge for many, there is a lot of help available for first-time buyers to get a mortgage and their first home. Here...
UK Property Market Shows Moderate Growth
In the 12 months leading up to May 2023, the UK property market experienced a moderate increase in average house prices, according to the latest data released by The Office for National Statistics (ONS). The report indicates that the average house price across the UK...
NatWest and Coutts Increase Mortgage Rates Despite Drop in Inflation to 7.9%
This afternoon, mortgage lenders NatWest and Coutts, have announced rate increases on their mortgage products, despite the recent drop in inflation to 7.9%. The decision has left many customers puzzled, as the current economic climate suggests that there could soon be...
UK Inflation Rate Falls to 7.9% in July 2023
In a surprising turn of events, the UK inflation rate has dropped to 7.9% in July 2023, marking a significant decrease from recent highs. It now stands at the lowest it has been in 16 months! The news comes as a relief to homeowners and potential buyers who have been...
Metro Bank Updates Expand Product Offerings
London based mortgage lender Metro Bank has recently unveiled the upgraded version of its mortgage origination platform. The platform aims to revolutionise the mortgage application process for intermediaries while laying the groundwork for the launch of new products...
What Is A Part And Part Mortgage?
When it comes to mortgages, there are various types available to suit different financial situations and goals. Sometimes a standard repayment and interest loan is neither beneficial or appropriate for a borrower, and alternative repayment methods might be more...
Average UK Mortgage Rates July 2023
Over the last few months, the UK has seen a sharp increase in average mortgage rates due to increasing economic pressures. This coupled with the general cost of living crisis has meant that many people who were once enjoying low mortgage costs and relatively...
Is the UK Headed Towards Seven Percent Mortgage Rates?
The UK mortgage market has witnessed its fair share of fluctuations in recent months, with interest rates playing a pivotal role. As homeowners and prospective buyers seek stability and affordability, the question on everyone's minds is whether we are headed for seven...
TSB Announces Positive Changes to Lending Criteria
In an exciting development for prospective homebuyers and existing mortgage holders, TSB has announced significant improvements to its lending criteria. Effective from the 13th of July 2023, the changes aim to enhance affordability and accessibility for borrowers....
Prime London Property Resilient Amidst a Price-Sensitive Market
London is a great city...in fact, ask a resident and they will most likely tell you that it is the greatest city in the world! Yes, we might not have the best weather all the time, we might not have the white sand beaches and crystal blue oceans, but there is...
What Is Income Flex Mortgage Criteria?
One of the biggest issues that new borrowers and existing mortgage owners struggle with nowadays is mortgage affordability. Yes, you may be able to afford a £1,000 a month rental payment or your existing mortgage of £2,000 a month, but unfortunately this means nothing...
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