For all the talk of AI tools and comparison sites reshaping financial services, the latest data on the UK mortgage market tells a different story: human advice still matters, and it matters more than ever. If you’re navigating a purchase or remortgage yourself, this is exactly the kind of support we’re here to offer—get in touch and let’s talk it through.
2 in 3 Homeowners Say Mortgage Brokers Are Essential
Santander’s quarterly Broker Perception Barometer, a survey of 500 mortgage customers, found that nearly two-thirds of borrowers say they simply could not have gone through the homebuying or remortgage process without a broker. This marks the third consecutive quarter the figure has landed in that range. It’s a striking number in an era when digital-first alternatives are supposedly meant to be replacing traditional advice.
Key Drivers Behind the Demand for Human Mortgage Advice
Why now? The report points to three forces converging on borrowers’ decision-making:
- Rising Property Prices: Increased capital requirements make expert structuring crucial.
- Interest Rate Volatility: Ongoing uncertainty surrounding central bank base rate trajectories.
- Major Seasonal Distractions: Uniquely, the distraction of a major summer football tournament.
Despite major sporting events dominating public attention, the research found broker relationships have stayed remarkably resilient.
According to the Broker Perception Barometer, most borrowers said they would still expect their broker to reach out during a match if advice was needed, and around a quarter said they’d rather focus on their finances than the football. We’d love to hear from our customers—did the tournament sway your financial planning?
The Tangible Benefits of Working with a Mortgage Broker
The numbers behind why brokers remain indispensable are compelling:
- Security & Peace of Mind: 84% of customers stated brokers gave them a sense of security in a shifting market.
- Increased Decision Confidence: Nearly 75% reported that using a broker gave them greater confidence in their financial choices.
- Direct Cost Savings: The majority of borrowers who bought, remortgaged, or transferred products in the past year saved money through a broker, with average savings running into hundreds of pounds annually.
Human Advice vs. AI in Mortgages
Even with digital mortgage tools becoming more common, the vast majority of borrowers confirmed they would still choose a human broker over AI at every single stage of the process.
Conclusion: Expert Advice Remains Indispensable
Markets move, headlines change, and every season brings its share of distractions—from interest rate speculation to major events. But the research is a clear reminder that in complex, high-stakes financial decisions, expert human advice isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s what most people say they genuinely cannot do without.
Speak to an Expert Today
If you’re weighing up a house purchase, a remortgage, or simply want a second opinion on your options, we’d love to help. Get in touch with our team today for clear, human advice you can trust: no jargon, no pressure, just honest guidance tailored to your circumstances.