Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Best Areas for First-Time Buyers in London
Looking to buy your first home in London? Discover some of the best areas for first-time buyers in London, including Wandsworth, Earlsfield, Balham, Wimbledon, Leyton, Barking, Croydon, and more. Explore property prices, transport links, lifestyle benefits, and what to consider before choosing where to buy your first property in the capital.
Equity Release For Pensioners
If recent events have taught us anything it is that jobs, income, and cashflow aren’t always as straight forward and secure as we might think. Sometimes, no amount of planning can prepare you for unexpected events and now more than ever, it is difficult to know how to make sure that you are financially secure when the economy is so uncertain.
Can I Get A Mortgage If I Have Recently Changed Jobs?
Can you get a mortgage if you’ve recently changed jobs or are still in probation? Learn how lenders assess new employment and what it could mean for your mortgage options.
NatWest Announces Exciting Changes to Mortgage Products
NatWest, one of the leading mortgage lenders in the UK, has announced today significant changes to their new and existing mortgage product ranges. The changes to mortgage products, which will come into effect from August 2nd 2023, offer a mix of rate decreases and new...
Virgin Announces Rate Cuts, Offering Exclusives for a Short Time
In an effort to provide some financial relief to borrowers, Virgin Money has announced a significant reduction in their mortgage rates on selected remortgage and purchase products. The rate cuts will be in effect starting from today, Tuesday the 1st of August 2023,...
Halifax Increases Maximum Working Age for Mortgage Applications
According to an announcement sent out to all brokers this morning, Halifax is set to make a significant change to its lending policy from Tuesday the 1st of August 2023. The bank will be increasing its maximum working age for mortgage applications, allowing customers...
NatWest Announces Changes to Criteria for Properties with Cladding
Effective from 28th July 2023, NatWest, one of the UK's leading mortgage lenders, is introducing new enhancements to its' valuation process to facilitate borrowing against properties in England constructed using cladding. These revisions aim to streamline the mortgage...
Could a Fixed 40-Year Mortgage Help Ease the Mortgage Crisis?
In the midst of the ongoing mortgage crisis and economic crisis in general, experts and policymakers are turning their attention to new solutions to alleviate the burden put on homeowners and hopefully revive the housing market. One potential measure gaining traction...
Barclays Announces Reduction in Rates for Home Buyers
Good news for prospective home buyers! Barclays, one of the big six of UK's leading mortgage providers, has announced a substantial reduction in mortgage rates for home buyers, hopefully making homeownership more affordable and accessible moving forward. The move...
First-Time Buyer Mortgage Rates Rise Despite Falling Inflation
Last week it was announced, to much joy and relief, that inflation in the UK had fallen to a level below what was initially predicted. The Bank of England are currently aiming for an inflation rate of 2%. Despite drastic measures being taken with interest rate rises,...
Santander for Intermediaries Increase Mortgage Rates
In a move that may impact both new and existing borrowers, Santander for intermediaries has recently made adjustments to its mortgage rates and products. The high street bank's broker-only arm has raised selected residential and landlord rates, prompting reactions...
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 as a First-Time Buyer Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand deposits, mortgage affordability, credit checks, rates, fees, and the buying process at the same time. The good news is that most...
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...
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