Mortgage search activity eased back from January’s early-year spike in February, but remained ahead of the same month last year, according to the latest data from Twenty7tec.
Figures from the firm’s INSIGHT Pro platform show total mortgage searches reached 1,814,583 in February 2026. That was 4.6% lower than in January, but 3.6% higher than in February 2025, suggesting adviser activity remained relatively firm despite a more subdued month-on-month picture.
The data points to a market that is beginning to settle after a strong start to the year, with remortgaging continuing to account for a large share of adviser enquiries.
Residential remortgage searches stood at 688,053 in February. While that was 9% down on January, it was 19% higher than a year earlier, indicating that many borrowers are still reviewing existing deals as they approach the end of fixed-rate terms or look for greater certainty on costs.
By contrast, purchase activity was slightly softer. Residential purchase searches totalled 670,259, down 1% on the previous month and 5% lower than in February 2025.
First-time-buyer searches also declined. The total for February was 164,803, which was 2% lower than in January and 12% below the same month last year.
In the buy-to-let sector, total searches reached 291,468. That was 4% lower than January, although still 2% higher year on year.
Buy-to-let remortgage searches rose 8% compared with February 2025, suggesting landlords are continuing to reassess their borrowing even as purchase demand remains under pressure.
Nathan Reilly, chief customer officer at Twenty7tec, said: “February’s figures suggest the market is settling into a more typical rhythm following the strong rebound in adviser activity at the start of the year.
“While search volumes have moderated slightly month on month, the fact activity remains higher than this time last year highlights the continued resilience of adviser demand.
“Remortgaging continues to represent a significant share of adviser searches, reinforcing the focus from borrowers reviewing existing deals and seeking certainty in a changing rate environment.”
Twenty7tec also said the latest search patterns reflect the complexity advisers are dealing with when placing cases. Among the most commonly searched criteria were borrower circumstances, residency requirements and credit history, underlining the detailed filtering now often needed to identify a suitable lender.
The Mortgage Market Snapshot is compiled using live search data from the INSIGHT Pro platform, offering a near real-time picture of adviser activity across the UK mortgage market.
