Confidence among mortgage advisers has risen sharply, with more than four in five positive about the outlook for the year ahead, according to new research from Stonebridge.

A survey of 265 appointed representatives of the mortgage and protection network found that 71% felt positive and a further 10% very positive about market conditions over the next 12 months. The figure compares with just 54% a year ago and 14% in 2023.

The study also revealed that 73% of advisers expect to write more business in the coming year than they did in the previous 12 months, up from 62% in 2024.

The rise in sentiment follows a period of stabilisation in mortgage pricing, with the Bank of England base rate now at 4.0% and lenders competing with more attractive deals. Stonebridge said this easing of conditions appeared to be directly influencing advisers’ outlook.

“[This] is a hugely encouraging sign for the industry”

INDUSTRY MOMENTUM

Stonebridge, which arranges more than £13 billion of lending annually, said it was focused on helping its member firms convert optimism into tangible growth through continued investment in technology and support services.

Rob Clifford, chief executive at Stonebridge, said: “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.”