Brokers highlight the factors sustaining their positive outlook
Mortgage brokers across the UK are maintaining a steady confidence, even as the market shows clear signs of cooling. According to the latest Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) data, overall gross secured lending dropped sharply after the end of the Stamp Duty holiday, yet brokers continue to report resilience and, in some cases, growth. For some brokers, this confidence is rooted in their ability to adapt to changing client needs and market conditions.
“Confidence remains strong because brokers have shown time and again that we can adapt quickly to changing conditions,” said Nicholas Mendes (pictured top left), mortgage technical manager at John Charcol.
“And although transaction volumes slowed after the end of the Stamp Duty holiday, demand has not disappeared. In many cases, it was simply delayed.”
Katie Splosnova (pictured top centre), marketing executive at Portway Finance, agreed with Mendes, pointing out that “demand has not disappeared but shifted.”
“Clients are now prioritising refinancing, portfolio restructuring, and bridging for time-sensitive opportunities, areas where brokers can deliver real value,” she added.
Some firms have even managed to expand in the current climate. “In spite of the recent IMLA figures showing the market cooling, our business volumes have increased throughout the year,” said Gerard Boon (pictured top right), managing director of Boon Brokers. He expects demand from first-time buyers to rise in the coming months, particularly if interest rates continue to fall and changes to stamp duty are introduced.
“At Portway, we’ve experienced growth rather than contraction over the same period,” Splosnova also shared. “Momentum has built month by month, giving us the confidence to expand our team in step with demand. That consistency underpins my optimism.”
Innovation and diversification have further bolstered broker confidence. “There has been real innovation from lenders,” Mendes said. “New entrants such as April Mortgages have broadened the options available to borrowers, while changes at Vida and Accord have helped buyers to overcome deposit challenges.”
Specialist lending has emerged as another area of strength. “We are certainly seeing growing demand for specialist products, and much of that comes down to reputation,” Splosnova said, adding that brokers are increasingly called upon to find solutions for complex cases, with specialist lending now accounting for a significant share of business.
“Even though the UK economy is in a clear decline on a macro level, there are still opportunities for brokers to capitalise on in the housing market,” Boon added.
Brokers have also responded to uncertainty in the buy-to-let sector, where legislative changes such as the Renters’ Rights Bill have prompted both caution and opportunity. “Landlord activity remains resilient, with buy-to-let still representing a substantial share of intermediary business,” Splosnova said.
She observed that while some landlords are scaling back, a new generation of investors is stepping in. “Our advice is to avoid knee-jerk reactions and instead prioritise resilience,” Splosnova said.
Despite the volatility, brokers are also finding ways to support one another and their clients. “We are learning to make time to switch off, support one another, and embrace technology in ways that enhance what we do rather than replace it,” Mendes said. “Above all, we remain focused on what matters most: talking to clients and providing advice that makes a genuine difference.”
While long-term confidence has not yet returned to pre-2022 levels, brokers remain optimistic that stability and clear policy direction will support further recovery. For now, their adaptability and commitment to client service continue to underpin confidence, even as the market slows.
Want to be regularly updated with mortgage news and features? Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, and industry events in your inbox – subscribe to our FREE daily newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
