Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
What Is A Mortgage Holiday?
What Is a Mortgage Holiday? A mortgage holiday, also known as a mortgage payment holiday, is a temporary break from making your regular monthly mortgage payments. It’s an arrangement made with your lender that allows you to pause your repayments for a short, agreed...
The Truth About “5x Income” Mortgages – What Banks Don’t Tell You
It sounds simple enough, “We lend up to 5x your income.” But as Santander’s latest market update made clear, these catchy marketing lines can be misleading. In this bite sized blog, we will explore larger income multiple borrowing and what it actually means to people...
It Now Takes 11 Years to Save for a Deposit
In 1974, the average first-time buyer could save a property deposit in just three months. Today, that same goal takes more than 11 years. Le that sink in. Santander’s figures from their latest market update starkly illustrate the affordability crisis facing first-time...
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...
What Is The PRIMIS Mortgage Network?
Who Are Oportfolio Mortgage Brokers? We are Oportfolio, a specialist broker providing professional advice and guidance on all types of mortgage and personal protection insurance products. We offer you tailored advice to support you wherever you are in your life...
Halifax Offers 5% Deposit Mortgages On New Builds
Halifax have sensationally announced today that they are lowering their minimum required deposit on new build properties from 10% to 5% throwing thousands of first-time buyers a lifeline. Changing their criteria to offer 5% deposit mortgages in the face of rising...
Accord Launch New Discounted SVR Mortgage Products
Intermediary accessible only lender Accord Mortgages have today announced that they are offering new discounted SVR mortgage products (Standard Variable Rate) across buy-to-let and residential mortgages. The lender, which is owned by Yorkshire Building Society, only...
The Best Putney Estate Agents
Southwest London really is perfect. We aren’t just saying this because our office is based in Putney and we’ve been based in southwest London for over 10 years, oh no. Living in Putney or the surrounding area is like getting the best of both worlds. You get to live in...
EWS1 Form Remortgage – Case Study
Key facts: Client came to us to do a residential remortgage on their flat. As part of the remortgage document requirements, the new mortgage lender asked for an EWS1 form to be provided to prove fire safety. The management company for the building hadn't arrange an...
Mortgage Rate Rises From TMW and Nationwide
Recently Nationwide building society and their buy-to-let arm The Mortgage Works (TMW) have been putting their rates up so much that they are no longer competitive in the mortgage market meaning that these rate rises are pushing these lenders down the list when...
Breaking News: Bank of England Raises Base Rate to 1.25%
Latest news coming out of the Bank of England says that they are raising the BoE base rate an extra 0.25% to 1.25% from the previous 1.00% which was only raised last month! In an attempt to tackle a potential risk of recession, the Bank of England has announced that...
The Best Running Spots In South West London
On the 10th of July 2022, our senior mortgage and protection advisor Jade Pinkerton is stepping out of her usual comfort zone and is going to be running the ASICS 10K across central London. She will be running to raise money in aid of Macmillan cancer support, a very...
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