Pepper Money has announced the launch of its 2024 Specialist Lending Study, marking the fifth anniversary of this landmark research project.

The latest edition of the Pepper Money Specialist Lending Study will be launched at an exclusive invitation-only event in London next week. The Study was originally launched as an Adverse Credit Study in the Autumn of 2019, with the primary objective of providing a single, definitive figure for the number of people in Britain who have a record of missed credit payments on their credit file, as well as some of the reasons behind these missed payments, customer plans and concerns and their experience in applying for a mortgage.

Over the last five years, the Study has surveyed nearly 40,000 British adults and evolved into the Pepper Money Specialist Lending Study, acknowledging that adverse credit is just one factor that could see a customer’s mortgage application declined by a high street lender. Self-employment, working as a contractor, or even working multiple jobs can sometimes make it more difficult for people to secure the mortgage they deserve.

This year’s edition is the largest ever, with more than 10,000 British adults surveyed on a range of topics, including adverse credit, unsecured debt, employment types and income sources, Buy to Let, prospects for home ownership, second charge mortgages and attitudes towards sustainability.

Paul Adams (pictured), sales director at Pepper Money, said: “We’re extremely proud of the Pepper Money Specialist Lending Study, which has provided brokers, journalists and industry commentators with robust insights into customer circumstances and behaviour for half a decade. This year’s Study is no exception – it’s our largest ever piece of research and identifies areas of clear opportunity for brokers.

“A primary focus for the 2024 Specialist Lending Study, as it was with last year’s Study, is cost-of-living and its ongoing squeeze on household finances. The ongoing economic situation is not only driving more people to turn to credit, leading to more missed payments, but also encouraging workers to take on additional sources of income and impacting issues towards homeownership prospects.

“We’re looking forward to sharing these insights in the coming weeks and we’re confident that the Study will prove a valuable reference point for any broker who is serious about helping more customers and growing their business.”