81% of advisers positive about mortgage market outlook

Mortgage adviser confidence is increasing, with 81% upbeat about the mortgage market’s outlook over the next 12 months, according to new research from Stonebridge.

A survey of 265 of its appointed representatives found that 71% were positive and a further 10% very positive about the year ahead.

This marks a sharp rise in confidence compared with a year ago, when just 54% said they felt positive about the outlook for the market, which was up from just 14% in 2023.

Furthermore, 73% of those surveyed believe they will write more business in the coming 12 months compared to the previous 12, up from 62% a year ago.

The findings come as mortgage rates continue to ease from the highs of 2023, with the Bank of England base rate now at 4.0% and lenders offering more competitive deals.

Rob Clifford, chief executive at Stonebridge, commented: “After a challenging couple of years, brokers are now far more optimistic about the opportunities ahead, with confidence levels the highest we’ve seen over the last three years. That is a hugely encouraging sign for the industry. Of course, risks remain – from inflation to ongoing regulatory demands – but the direction of travel is positive.

“As conditions continue to improve, we believe this growing optimism will translate into increased activity and further momentum across the mortgage and protection market. We will continue to play our part in supporting our members make the most of that momentum with further investment in our support infrastructure and developments to our wholly owned technology.”