New MFAA survey to examine borrower behaviour amid ongoing economic pressures
The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has opened its February 2026 Market Sentiment Survey, asking broker members to report how borrowers are responding to current economic conditions.
The six‑monthly poll, running from 2 to 27 February, seeks feedback from MFAA brokers on changes they are seeing in borrower demand and confidence as households continue to manage higher living costs, persistent inflation and uncertainty in the global economy.
Previously known as the Member Sentiment Survey, the exercise focuses on borrower trends, movements in market conditions and the ways brokers are supporting clients. It will gather information on areas including mortgage stress, loan serviceability, refinancing, first home buyer activity and client retention, with the findings to be used to inform the MFAA’s advocacy and policy work on behalf of members.
Results from the August 2025 survey indicated a modest uplift in borrower optimism, which rose 1.5% compared with the prior survey, supported by interest rate settings and property equity. At the same time, that survey highlighted growing concern about cost‑of‑living pressures and employment security.
“Economic conditions have changed since the last survey,” said Anja Pannek (pictured right), MFAA chief executive. “Inflation remains above the RBA’s target 2 to 3% range and cost-of-living and housing supply challenges persist.
“The data derived from the February survey will help us determine what impact these and other economic factors have had on borrower behaviour.”
The survey is expected to take around five minutes for brokers to complete. Responses are anonymous, although participants who choose to provide their contact details will be entered into a draw to win a $500 Visa gift card.
MFAA members can access the Market Sentiment Survey – February 2026 through the association’s usual member channels. Insights from earlier sentiment surveys are also available from the MFAA for brokers who wish to compare current findings with previous periods.
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