Four in 10 future first-time buyers plan to use a broker
Mortgage brokers continue to enjoy high levels of consumer trust while also growing their share of the home loan market, according to new industry data.
The Finance Brokers Association of Australasia (FBAA) has reported that 82% of clients who worked with a mortgage broker expressed a high level of trust, with 39% stating they “completely trust” their broker. These findings are from the FBAA’s 2025 Consumer Access to Mortgages report, conducted in partnership with Agile Market Intelligence.
By contrast, trust in lender representatives was significantly lower, reinforcing the central role brokers play in supporting borrowers through complex lending environments.
The data aligns with a broader trend in borrower behaviour. Mortgage brokers settled a record 76.8% of all new residential home loans in the March 2025 quarter, according to the latest figures from Cotality’s Comparator.
The growing reliance on brokers may also be linked to greater consumer awareness of regulatory protections. One in three borrowers indicated they would be more likely to use a broker after learning about the Best Interests Duty (BID), which legally obliges brokers to prioritise the needs of their clients. The FBAA report found a 28% increase in broker preference following BID awareness.
Trust appears especially important among younger and future borrowers. The report showed that 43% of potential first-home buyers plan to use a mortgage broker to assist with their loan, highlighting the sector’s expanding influence.
However, the research also revealed ongoing financial pressure among borrowers. Around 42% of consumers reported that their financial situation had deteriorated in the past 12 months, including 10% who said it was “significantly worse.” Additionally, 34% of mortgage holders were found to be in mortgage stress, with repayments exceeding 30% of household income.
The FBAA’s annual report draws on feedback from clients of member brokers and offers a snapshot of how Australians are navigating the housing finance landscape in a challenging economic climate.
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