Mortgage brokers could face increased demand for advice following the Autumn Budget, with 93% of homeowners needing help understanding how government policy and economic changes could affect their finances, according to research from Santander UK.
The bank’s latest Broker Perception Barometer found that homeowners particularly value explanations of policy changes, mortgage affordability and the timing of borrowing decisions.
With the Budget scheduled for 28 October, the research suggests intermediaries will have an important role in helping borrowers assess any changes to housing policy, taxation and the wider economic outlook.
Almost half of homeowners (45%) said they would welcome a clear explanation from their broker about how policy changes affect their personal circumstances. A further 39% wanted help understanding mortgage affordability and new borrowing options, while 36% sought advice on when to apply for a mortgage.
HOMEOWNERS SEEK MORTGAGE AND STAMP DUTY REFORMS
Measures to reduce mortgage costs topped homeowners’ Budget wish lists, with 38% favouring incentives that would encourage lenders to offer lower mortgage rates.
Reducing stamp duty and extending affordable homeownership schemes, including support for first-time buyers, were equally popular, each attracting support from 34% of respondents.
More than a quarter (27%) wanted the government to increase housing supply through additional housebuilding.
Further details of the proposed Your First Home equity loan scheme are expected in the Budget, alongside any additional housing and mortgage market measures.
Santander also examined how borrowers would prefer to receive guidance from intermediaries. Short email summaries were the most popular option, selected by 29% of homeowners, while 27% preferred an individual consultation by telephone or face-to-face.
Digital alternatives attracted less interest, with 13% favouring WhatsApp or text messages and 12% preferring short social media videos.
Ben Merritt, head of mortgages at Santander UK, said: “The only thing that’s felt constant in 2026 is change. Mortgage pricing has continued to evolve and that can leave customers wondering when, or whether, to make their move.
“Our Broker Perception Barometer has found that brokers are at the heart of helping people navigate that uncertainty, providing expert guidance when it’s needed most. Whatever changes the budget brings, their role in supporting customers to make confident mortgage decisions will remain critical.”
GREATER CONFIDENCE AND SAVINGS
The findings also indicate that the perceived value of mortgage advice extends beyond major economic and fiscal announcements.
Among homeowners who had used or spoken to a broker during the previous 12 months, 88% said the experience had made them feel more secure about buying a property or remortgaging.
Some 85% of this group said they would use a broker again when purchasing another property or switching mortgage provider.
The research also identified a reported financial benefit from seeking advice, with homeowners estimating average monthly savings of £114 as a direct result of engaging with a mortgage broker.
The findings point to continued demand for intermediary support, particularly when borrowers must weigh changes in mortgage pricing against affordability pressures and uncertainty over future government policy.
