Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
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...
UK Mortgage Market Outlook 2026: A Mortgage Adviser’s View
As we move into 2026, the UK mortgage market feels cautiously optimistic, but far from straightforward. After attending PRIMIS’s 2026 kick-off event, it’s clear that while demand for mortgages remains resilient, wider economic uncertainty continues to shape how...
Lenders Strict On Debts Being Paid – Case Study
Key facts: Client looking to sell current property that they have owned for several years to purchase a larger family home Clients had a good amount of equity in their property so would have some spare cash left over once it was sold The clients had a few credit cards...
Housing Market Highlights From Rightmove
Over the last few days, UK property advertisement portal Rightmove have released figures and information that are a result of careful analysis of the property market this year. Some of the highlights they have commented on so far are house prices hitting a 6-month...
Santander Avoids Raising Mortgage Rates
Santander for intermediaries have sent out emails to all registered mortgage intermediaries today announcing that they will be freezing their current mortgage product rates and they will avoid raising mortgage rates for at least one month. In comparison, Nationwide...
Halifax Mortgage Rate Rise On The Way
Halifax have announced that as of the 18th of July (this coming Monday) they will be raising interest rates...again…on selected 2-year and 10-year products. They have said that the rises could be as much as 0.32%. Here are the details we know about the new Halifax...
Dare To Hope – Wildlife Photographer Harry Skeggs
Harry Skeggs - Award Winning Wildlife Photographer When it comes to wildlife photography, Harry Skeggs is the absolute authority. Putney based photographer and friend to Oportfolio Harry is world renowned for his unbelievable snaps of the worlds rarest and most...
Purchasing A Property From Family – Case Study
Key facts: Our client was a first time buyer looking to find a property in his budget and wouldn't use up his entire life savings. He had been looking around for a property but wasn't having much luck Coincidentally, his parents were also looking to sell a rental...
Act Now To Stop Mortgage Rate Rises
Money information website Moneyfacts have revealed new data that shows 2 and 5-year mortgage product rates have increased in the sharpest month-on-month spike since 2007. Meaning that mortgages are getting more expensive and people who don't act now, may end up paying...
Coventry Building Society Reduces Buy-To-Let Mortgage Rates
In the midst of rising mortgage interest rates, Coventry Building Society have announced that they are REDUCING their Buy-To-Let mortgage rates through their intermediary platform. The mortgage broker only arm of Coventry building society are reducing buy-to-let...
Protecting Yourself From The Financial Impact Of Cancer
In July 2022, Oportfolio’s senior mortgage and protection advisor Jade Pinkerton will be running a gruelling 10K for a great cause. The run will push her to her limits and considering she hasn’t run regularly in 10 years; she’ll be the first to admit that she is a bit nervous!
Second Home Mortgage Borrowing – Case Study
Key facts: Client looking to purchase a second home to use with family during summer holidays Property was 3 hours’ drive away Due to the rising cost of living, mortgage underwriters applied inflated and extra costs to the mortgage affordability. Because of these...
Are 50-Year Cross-Generation Mortgages On The Cards?
Struggling to get enough mortgage borrowing because of your age? 35-year mortgage term still too expensive per month for your budget? Would you consider taking 50-year cross-generation mortgages if it meant that you could get the perfect house? All it would mean is...
Net Mortgage Borrowing Up 76% According To BOE
In recently release figures, the Bank of England has announced that net mortgage borrowing increased by 76% in May 2022. What does this actually mean? Is it a positive sign or a false flag? According to the BOE, Net mortgage borrowing on houses purchased to live in...
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