Almost eight out of 10 Primis brokers in Wales and the South expect to write more business in 2026 than last year according to surveys conducted at the network’s Kick Off events in Newport and London.

Among respondents, 69% of brokers in Wales and the South West and 90% in the South East anticipate higher volumes this year.

Confidence is strongest in protection, with 82% of all respondents expecting to increase business, rising to 89% among brokers in Wales and the South West.

Despite upbeat expectations, brokers cited economic uncertainty (36%) and customer affordability (32%) as the main headwinds for the year.

REMORTGAGING OPPORTUNITY

Remortgaging is seen as the biggest market opportunity, identified by 57% of respondents, followed by income protection, first-time buyers, buy-to-let, specialist mortgages and insurance or critical illness cover.

Interest rate expectations are similarly clear: 70% of brokers predict cuts of 25–50 basis points in 2026, while 22% expect reductions of 51–100 basis points. Only 5% believe rates will remain unchanged.

POSITIVE MOOD

Neil Hoare, sales director at LSL Financial Services, said: “These findings show a positive mood among brokers in Wales and the South of England. After several years of higher rates, weaker affordability and subdued activity, there is now a growing sense that the market is turning a corner.

“Brokers are seeing improving affordability, a large volume of fixed-rate mortgages coming up for renewal and a steady return of buyer confidence, all of which is feeding into a much more positive outlook for 2026.”

OPPORTUNITY INTO GROWTH

He added: “At Primis, our focus is on helping brokers turn that opportunity into sustainable growth.

“That means giving them the tools, lender access and regulatory support they need to operate confidently, whether that’s navigating a busy remortgage market, growing protection sales or adapting to regulatory change without losing sight of the customer.

“This year won’t be without challenges. But brokers in Wales and across the South are entering 2026 with confidence and enthusiasm, and we are here to help them achieve that growth and deliver great customer outcomes while doing so.”