Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
UK Stamp Duty Residential Transactions Rise in June 2024
As head of content and marketing here at Oportfolio Mortgages, my job is to keep you, our clients, up to date and informed about the latest market news and trends. I am pleased to report to you in this article some interesting new data released by HMRC around property...
Mortgages For High-Net-Worth Individuals
When it comes to securing a mortgage, high-net-worth individuals often face a unique set of challenges. Contrary to what one might expect, having significant assets doesn't necessarily make the process straightforward. From complex income structures to the need for...
Swap Rates Decline, Boosting Homebuyer Affordability In The UK
Recent research from Octane Capital has revealed a promising forecast for mortgage rates in the UK. The study, which analysed average swap rates over 30 and 60-day periods, indicates that swap rates have started to decline. This shift could herald a significant...
Financial Protection: Getting The Right Advice
As we enter the sixth week of lockdown, it’s not surprising that many people have spent much of the time in isolation from the rest of the world thinking about their health, financial security and the ways in which they can best protect themselves in the future. From...
Now Is The Time To Protect Yourself Financially
As we approach the end of our fifth week of enforced social distancing, the impact on how we live life and – crucially – how we manage our personal finances has been radically altered. The government’s fiscal response to the current crisis has been focused...
Our guide to the Coronavirus Mortgage Relief Scheme
The Government has promised that homeowners whose income is affected by the coronavirus/Covid-19 outbreak will be eligible for mortgage payment relief in the form, initially, of a suspension of repayments for three months. Is everyone eligible? No. Although the...
Can I improve my chances of getting the mortgage I want?
Any veteran property owner who’s been through the process of applying for a mortgage in the last few years will tell you that there are a lot more hoops to jump through these days than there used to be before 2008. Although lenders have become more competitive in the...
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...
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