Mortgage News, Insights & Advice
All the latest UK mortgage news, insights and advice from the world of mortgage lending and Oportfolio
How to Pay Off an Interest-Only Mortgage
Interest-only mortgages have become increasingly popular among borrowers looking for lower monthly payments and greater financial flexibility. But with those lower payments comes a major responsibility. You must have a reliable plan for repaying the capital at the end...
Barclays Increases Maximum Loan-to-Income to 6x
Barclays has announced a major update to its affordability policy, increasing its maximum residential loan-to-income (LTI) multiple from 5.5x to 6x. This change is significant for borrowers who need a higher income stretch to secure the mortgage they want, especially...
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...
Is It Still Worth Buying a House in the UK in 2025?
Is It Still Worth Investing in a House in the UK in 2025? You are not alone if you find yourself wondering if it is time to invest in a house in the UK. With rising interest rates, volatile house prices, and economic uncertainty, many first-time buyers and upgraders...
Is It Better to Go Directly to a Bank or Use a Mortgage Broker?
When looking for a mortgage, one of the first decisions you’ll face is: should you go directly to a bank, or work with a mortgage broker? Both have their benefits, but depending on your situation, one path may be better. Bank vs mortgage broker. Which ultimately comes...
First-Time Buyer Mortgage Myths Busted
Buying your first home can be stressful enough without being misled by myths that float around online and among friends. At Oportfolio, we regularly help first-time buyers separate fact from fiction, so they can make informed decisions. First-Time Buyer Mortgage Myths...
Remortgaging in London: When, Why, and How
If you do have an existing property in London, remortgaging could potentially save you thousands, or allow you to tap into cash for home improvements or other big plans. But at what time is best, and what do you expect? At Oportfolio, we remortgage London homeowners...
UK House Prices Slashed But First-Time Buyers Hit by £6.5k Tax
This summer we have seen UK house prices slashed, taking a significant turn in favour of buyers, according to the latest Summer Property Insights report from Barclays Bank. The research shows a clear yet surprising trend. Despite a red-hot start to the year driven by...
Mortgage Advice for Self-Employed Professionals in the UK
Self-employed people typically face particular challenges in securing a mortgage. Starting your own business is great, but it will complicate your path to homeownership. At Oportfolio, we often help freelancers, contractors, and entrepreneurs secure reasonably priced...
What Do Mortgage Brokers Actually Do?
When buying a home or remortgaging, you will be told to "speak with a mortgage broker", but what do they do and how can they help? At Oportfolio, our work as mortgage brokers is to take a complex process and make it simple and give you the best chance of mortgage...
TSB Increases Maximum Loan-to-Income Ratio for Self-Employed
TSB Bank has announced a significant change to its mortgage lending criteria, increasing the maximum loan-to-income (LTI) multiple for self-employed applicants. From today, self-employed individuals seeking a mortgage may be eligible to borrow up to 5.5 times their...
Best London Neighbourhoods for First-Time Buyers in 2025
Buying your first home in London can be an exhilarating but daunting process. With house prices varying so wildly across the capital, it's important to find a location that balances affordability, transport links, facilities, and growth potential just right. Day in,...
How Much Deposit Do I Need for a Mortgage in the UK? [2025 Guide for First-Time Buyers]
Quick Answer Most UK mortgage lenders require at least a 5% deposit, but putting down 10% to 20% can unlock better rates. For a £250,000 home, that’s a minimum of £12,500. The more you put down, the more affordable your mortgage is long-term. What Is a Mortgage...
How to Get a Mortgage in London With a Small Deposit
Buying a home in London is daunting, especially if you have a small deposit. With housing prices significantly higher than other areas of the UK, it can be overwhelming for many potential buyers. Even so, a small deposit doesn't have to be a setback. This is how you...
How We Helped a First-Time Buyer Secure a Mortgage in Putney
Buying your first home is exciting, and sometimes overwhelming. Recently, we worked with a client, Sarah, a first-time buyer in her early 30s, who had just had an offer accepted on a one-bedroom flat in Putney. If you're looking for a first-time buyer mortgage, Putney...
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