Sentiment shift signals renewed appetite for SME and corporate lending
Mortgage brokers are overwhelmingly positive about commercial lending, with research showing that three-quarters of professionals anticipate significant growth in their commercial lending activity over the next 12 months.
The 2025 Mortgage Broker Pulse Survey from data and analytics firm Equifax reveals that 77% of brokers expect to increase their commercial loan writing for small-to-medium enterprises and large businesses, representing a substantial reversal from the previous survey conducted in 2024, when only 23% held equivalent expectations.
This substantial increase in confidence signals a marked improvement in broker sentiment regarding the commercial lending sector and suggests brokers perceive strengthening conditions in the broader economy for SME lending.
Alongside this commercial focus, brokers continue to maintain strong engagement with refinancing strategies. As three official cash rate cuts took effect this year, professionals indicated they would prioritise refinancing opportunities for existing borrowers (83%). Additionally, 72% are actively pursuing customers who have expressed regret regarding their existing mortgage arrangements.
"While residential refinancing remains a key pillar, brokers are showing that they are savvy to changing market conditions, capitalising on the growing commercial lending opportunity," said Moses Samaha (pictured right), executive general manager at Equifax.
The research also demonstrates that brokers maintain their commitment to the first-home buyer (FHB) market, with two in five (40%) continuing to allocate resources towards this segment of borrowers.
"It's evident that the first-home buyer market will remain a key priority for brokers in the year ahead," Samaha said. "With expanded government programs, such as the 5% FHB Deposit Scheme, continuing to provide more opportunities for FHBs to get into the market."
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