Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
Metro Bank Buy-to-Let Mortgage and Interest-Only Changes
Metro Bank has recently announced significant enhancements to its interest-only and buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage criteria, marking a strategic move to strengthen its position as a leading specialist lender on the high street. These changes are designed to offer greater...
Halifax Minimum Mortgage Amount Increases
Halifax has announced an increase in the minimum mortgage amount for their 2 year and 5 year fixed-rate products, available through selected mortgage intermediaries. Historically, Halifax's minimum mortgage amount was £25,000, which is considered one of the lowest...
Why You Should Never Pay Off Your Mortgage
When it comes to personal finance, one of the most debated questions is: should I pay off my mortgage early? While owning your home outright can provide peace of mind, there are several reasons why you might want to reconsider paying off your mortgage early if you are...
5 things you need to know when buying a new home
Moving home – or buying a new home – can be a really exciting time, but it can also seem a bit overwhelming, even if it’s not your first rodeo in the property market. According to the lifestyle magazine House Beautiful, studies published last year suggest the average...
Can I get a mortgage if I’ve just changed my job?
If you’re about to start a new job or you’re switching from a salaried role to self-employment, you may be worried that your change of circumstances will negatively impact your chances of securing a mortgage. But while some lenders can be reluctant to lend to you if...
What do I need for my mortgage application?
Many people find the prospect of a mortgage application to be a source of stress, and although that’s understandable because a dream move is often riding on a successful outcome, it doesn’t necessarily need to be the anxious time that people expect. There are two key...
Is it time to review your personal finances?
The ongoing coronavirus crisis continues to put pressure on family income as the true impact of the Government’s social distancing strategy is felt around the UK. There are a number of schemes that have been launched to help businesses, those in full-time employment...
Are you making these common life insurance mistakes?
One of the key things we need to do when we take on a big financial commitment like a mortgage is to make plans for a time when you or your family might not be able to meet the repayments. Usually, that means taking out one or more of three different insurance...
Start making plans now to move in 2020
As we wave farewell to a year that has, by all sorts of measures, been pretty momentous, and usher in the third decade of the millennia, it’s time to start thinking about that house move in 2020 you’ve been planning. One of the mistakes people can make when it comes...
Can I force my mortgage lender to give me a better deal?
There has been a lot of change in the mortgage market over the last decade, with tighter controls over lending criteria, more scrutiny around affordability and interest rates tumbling to record lows. But one question we get asked a lot is: can I force my mortgage...
What type of life insurance do I need?
If you’re one of the 8.5 million British adults with a family who should have a life insurance policy but don’t, then now is the right time to be looking at your options. Life insurance should be a vital part of your financial planning. Chosen well, it gives you and...
What does the election mean for my mortgage?
One of the most common concerns for any homeowner at any given time is likely to be what happens to interest rates. It’s an issue that has come into sharper focus since the EU referendum was held 41 months ago. In a week’s time, the UK will go to the polls for the...
Do I need life insurance?
We all know that life can be expensive and most of us are busy trying to cut our costs rather than increase them, but there’s one additional expense that you should seriously consider adding to your monthly outgoings. If you have a family or there are others who...
What Does A Falling Housing Market Mean?
If recent media reports are to be believed, the ongoing political uncertainty is having a significant impact on the London housing market. According to the latest price index from estate agency portal Right Move, the impasse on Brexit has shaved £13,000 off the...
My fixed mortgage deal is ending. What should I do?
There are a few times every year when a letter from one of your insurance providers will drop through your door to notify you that your fixed mortgage deal is ending and notifying you of your new premium for the coming year. The chances that these letters will...
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