Mortgage brokers operating in the high-net-worth market are increasingly optimistic about growth prospects over the year ahead, according to new research from Investec.
An Investec survey of brokers attending its third UK mortgage broker event found that 96% expect their business to grow over the next 12 months, up from 91% in 2025 and 81% in 2024.
The event, which focused on the high-net-worth mortgage market, brought together brokers to discuss conditions in the housing market and the wider economy. Investec said sentiment has strengthened markedly year-on-year, reflecting both improving confidence and increased levels of activity.
Despite this optimism, brokers continue to face a number of challenges. Macroeconomic volatility remains the leading concern, consistent with previous surveys.
Securing new and repeat business has moved further up the agenda in 2026, pointing to heightened competition and a more selective client base. Regulatory change and forthcoming legislation also continue to weigh on broker priorities.
When asked about the needs of high-net-worth clients, brokers highlighted familiar themes. The ability to assess affordability using a broad range of assets, rather than relying solely on salaried income, remains the most important consideration. This w
as followed by the speed of financing and the ability to secure higher loan-to-value mortgages, underlining the ongoing demand for bespoke and flexible lending solutions.
Peter Izard, head of intermediary business development at Investec Bank, said: “Confidence among brokers has built steadily over the past three years, and it’s encouraging to see that translate into such strong growth expectations for 2026.
“Importantly, we’re also seeing this optimism reflected in real activity. In particular, we’ve recently seen a strong rise in high-net-worth mortgage applications for loans above £5m following the Budget, driven by clients with complex financial profiles seeking certainty, flexibility and speed.
“High-net-worth individuals rarely fit neatly into standard affordability models, which is why brokers continue to prioritise lenders who can take a holistic view of wealth.
“Our role is to support brokers with tailored solutions that reflect the full financial picture and help them deliver for clients in an increasingly competitive market.”
The 2026 event was Investec’s largest to date by attendance and included an economic outlook presentation from Investec economist Ellie Henderson. She told attendees that the UK economy is performing more robustly than is often assumed.
Henderson said: “While sentiment around the UK economy has often been cautious, the data paints a more positive picture. Growth through 2025 was stronger than widely perceived and stronger than most had expected.
“We expect outperformance relative to consensus forecasts to continue into 2026. The UK’s resilience looks likely to be supported by easing inflation and falling interest rates.
“This is important for the UK housing market. Despite political and global uncertainties, the resilience in activity suggests a period of stability and steady momentum which will be helpful for confidence too.”
