Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Mortgage FAQ: Should I wait for mortgage rates to fall?
Mortgage FAQ: Should I wait for mortgage rates to fall? This week’s mortgage FAQ answers one of the most common questions we’re hearing from buyers and homeowners right now. Many people are wondering whether they should wait for rates to fall, or act sooner. Here’s...
UK Mortgage Market Update – 23 February 2026 | Oportfolio Mortgages
UK Mortgage Market Update – 23 February 2026 The UK mortgage market continues to shift as inflation eases, interest rate expectations change, and house prices show signs of renewed momentum. Here’s what happened this week, and what it means if you’re buying,...
What Salary Do I Need for a 300k Mortgage in the UK?
In most cases, you’ll need a salary of around £60,000–£75,000 to get a £300k mortgage in the UK, depending on your deposit, income type, and lender affordability rules. Below, we break down real salary scenarios, deposit examples, and affordability tables so you can...
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'...
Santander Increases Mortgage Rates for Residential, First-Time Buyers, and Buy-to-Let
Santander has announced rate changes on its residential, buy-to-let, and product transfer mortgage ranges, with most of the fixed rates increasing from tomorrow. There is one piece of positive news, however, for first-time buyers with a small reduction on 95% LTV...
How a Mortgage Broker in Wandsworth Helped Renters Buy Their First Home
Buying your first home in Wandsworth can feel out of reach, especially if you’re renting and unsure whether you’d qualify for a mortgage. That’s exactly how our clients felt when they came to Oportfolio Mortgages. They had been long-term renters in Wandsworth and...
How Increasing Inflation Impacts UK Mortgage Rates
Rising UK inflation continues to keep mortgage rates higher than expected, impacting homeowners and remortgagers across the country. Learn how inflation and Bank of England decisions affect mortgage affordability, what this means for fixed and variable rates, and how to prepare for the future housing market.
NatWest Launches New Standalone Additional Borrowing Mortgage
NatWest is introducing a completely new standalone Additional Borrowing (ADBO) mortgage product, allowing homeowners across the UK to borrow more money against their home than ever before. This is a significant step forward for borrowers who need access to cash at...
Co-op Bank Launches 80% LTV Mortgages Below 4%
The Co-operative Bank has announced a new series of mortgage rate cuts, music to UK remortgagers' and homebuyers' ears in search of the best deals. Some residential rates fell as much as 0.10% and buy-to-let rates as much as 0.12%. The cuts bring the bank into...
Buying in Putney? Mortgage Rates, Advice & How to Get a Deal
If you're thinking of buying a home in Putney in 2025, understanding the local mortgage market is essential. As interest rates shift, lenders tweak their offers, and new buyer schemes emerge, having a good sense of what mortgage rates are available in Putney may save...
Barclays Reduces Mortgage Rates Across Various Products
Homebuyers and remortgagers across the UK could benefit from lower mortgage repayments as Barclays makes a series of mortgage rate cuts, from Thursday the 14th of August 2025. Barclays has reduced rates on a range of its most sought-after products across its Purchase,...
Nationwide Improves Remortgage Affordability for UK Homeowners
Nationwide Building Society has announced significant improvements to its affordability rules for homeowners looking to remortgage. These changes, which came into effect this week, aim to give eligible borrowers the ability to borrow more when choosing a longer-term...
Halifax Increases Borrowing Power for First-Time Buyers in the UK
Getting on the UK housing ladder is never a simple one, especially for first-time buyer mortgage UK applicants who are eager to balance rising house prices with limited savings. Yet Halifax, one of the UK’s largest mortgage lenders, has recently made a major change to...
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