Mortgage and property markets adjusting to a new period of uncertainty
As 2026 progresses, advisers, lenders and property professionals have plenty of challenges given the tricky economic conditions and renewed market uncertainty. Inflationary pressures, which many hoped were beginning to ease, have returned to the forefront following energy market disruption and wider supply chain shocks linked to the Gulf conflict. In response, expectations around the future direction of UK interest rates have also changed significantly.
Although the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee voted to hold base rates at its April meeting, markets are increasingly pricing in the possibility of further rate rises later this year – maybe up to three hikes. Unsurprisingly, mortgage pricing has already been moving upwards during 2026, placing renewed pressure on affordability for borrowers and creating fresh challenges for brokers advising clients in a higher-rate environment.
Yet alongside these challenges comes opportunity, particularly for advisers and brokers who can adapt to changing borrower needs, embrace technology and provide the kind of long-term guidance clients increasingly value and need.
Understanding the next generation of borrowers
We begin with John Fraser-Tucker at Mojo Mortgages, who explores how brokers can better engage the next generation of homeowners.
As Gen Z and younger Millennial buyers face mounting affordability hurdles, the traditional mortgage journey is changing rapidly. Today’s first-time buyers are often engaging with brokers far earlier in the process, sometimes years before they are ready to purchase. John examines how advisers can evolve from transactional mortgage arrangers into long-term “journey partners” by embracing digital communication, social media engagement and technology-led customer experiences.
Rethinking affordability in a higher-rate market
Affordability also remains one of the defining themes, so Nichola Bell from Saffron for Intermediaries explains why brokers need to rethink how they structure lending as borrower income becomes increasingly complex.
With more clients relying on multiple income streams, freelance work, investments and portfolio careers, traditional affordability models are changing. Nichola’s article highlights the growing importance of taking a holistic view of income, stress testing for resilience and working closely with lenders that understand non-standard borrower profiles.
Property investment and the growing MEES challenges
In the commercial property space, Beth Myers and Rebecca Davison from Howard Kennedy LLP examine the growing uncertainty surrounding Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
Their analysis explores how delays to government policy are creating a dangerous investment bottleneck as landlords await clarity on future EPC requirements.
Beyond the magazine
As always, Mortgage & Property Investment is designed to complement the daily news, analysis and commentary all aimed at mortgage advisers that we publish across the Mortgage & Property section of IFA Magazine. That’s alongside updates and discussion across our social media channels too of course.
And don’t forget our monthly Mortgage & Property edition of the IFA Talk podcast. April’s episode featured Colin Bell from Perenna discussing long-term fixed-rate mortgages, product innovation and the future evolution of the UK mortgage market, themes that continue to resonate strongly throughout this latest edition.
We hope you enjoy the read.
Meg Bratley
Social Media and Content Manager
Mortgage & Property Investment Magazine
