Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
How We Helped Secure a Fast Further Advance in Just 2 Weeks
At Oportfolio Mortgages, we’re all about finding real solutions for real people quickly, efficiently, and with as little stress as possible. This recent client success story is the perfect example of how our team goes above and beyond when time is of the essence, to...
TMW Launches Competitive Buy-to-Let Mortgage Rates from Just 2.79%
The Mortgage Works (TMW), the specialist buy-to-let lending arm of Nationwide Building Society, has announced rate reductions across its buy-to-let mortgage range. From today, selected products for both new and existing customers will be lowered by up to 0.35%, with...
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for a Mortgage?
Applying for a mortgage in the UK may appear stressful, especially if it's your first time. One of the most common reasons for delays in the approval of a mortgage could be lack or insufficient documentation. But with proper preparation, you can walk through the...
Green mortgages, the way of the future.
Green mortgages are mortgages offered to buyers either as an incentive to buy a more energy-efficient property or to make energy efficiency improvements in their current home. Most green mortgages see lenders offer a more attractive interest rate, or a form of cashback to buyers that you won’t get with standard mortgage products.
Lending from building societies dominates market.
Mortgage lending by building societies such as nationwide and Leeds Building Society has risen by 22% in Quarter 3 of 2021 compared to Quarter 3 in 2020. Building societies now reportedly hold a 23% share of the total mortgage market.
Metrobank Sells Mortgages to Natwest
Metrobank have announced that they have sold a portfolio of owner-occupied residential mortgages to NatWest as of today – Friday 19th of November. The bold decision is thought to have been made so that Metrobank can invest in other more diverse areas of money lending.
From shared ownership to fully fledged homeowner
Our client made the initial climb on to the housing ladder by securing a shared ownership mortgage on his first home. After a few years of living in the property he wanted to explore his options with purchasing 100% of the shares in his home, something known as staircasing. That’s where we come in.
Annual rental growth reaches highest level in 13 years.
In newly release figures from property website Zoopla, annual rental growth reached the highest level for 13 years at 4.6% in the third quarter. The average cost of renting a home in the UK, excluding London, now stands at £809 per month, 6% more than a year earlier!
Second Home In Cornwall Case Study
After several years of living the city lifestyle, our client wanted to buy his dream second family home in the idyllic historical coastal county of Cornwall in the Southwest of England. His main concern was that he wanted to keep his current property and didn’t have access to enough personal funds to put down a deposit on the new second property.
Halifax and its subsidiaries SLASH their valuation fees.
A lot of big changes in the mortgage processing world have happened within the last few months but we were all quite taken aback when Halifax announced last week that they would reducing their standard valuation fee across the board. Something that even experienced mortgage professionals did not see coming.
A Christmas miracle for potential new buyers?
The Rightmove House Price Index has released surprising figures this month that show the average house price coming on to the market has reduced by 0.6% compared to last month’s figures potentially encouraging new buyers over the holidays.
House prices driving you up the wall?
Figures show that the 2021 average house price is now £256,000 and London’s average soars above this at £495,000! These figures can be quite disheartening but don’t fear, there is hope on the horizon.
Mortgage arrears a thing of the past? Or just for now?
Official statistics have shown that mortgage arrears across the board have fallen and continue to fall drastically, nearing historical lows according to UK Finance.
Bridging lending – The Return
Fantastic news for people looking for a buy to let, buying at auction or, purchasing a property that might need a little TLC.
The Best Gyms in Putney to Get You Into Shape
Going to the gym helps you build your fitness and improve your endurance. Aside from the obvious physical benefits, the gym can also help your mental well being, by improving your mood, sleep, and brain function. When you’re living and working in London, life can be...
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If you have any questions about UK mortgage news or anything you’ve read then please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.