Mortgage Insider returns for 2026

The home buying process remains slow and uncertain for all too many. On average, it now takes around 120 days to complete a property purchase in the UK, a sharp rise since 2007, and around one in three deals still falls through. The cost of failed property transactions runs into billions each year and creates stress for buyers, sellers and mortgage intermediaries alike. In this episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, host Phil Spencer is joined by Justin Young, CEO of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and Claire Beardmore, Director of L&G Mortgage Club, to look at why the home buying process takes so long and what could help improve outcomes across the market. The discussion looks at how poor timing and late checks add delay, why repeating property surveys and searches wastes time and money, and how doing more work upfront could allow steps to run side by side rather than one after the other. They also explore what England can learn from Scotland’s home report system, as well as other countries with shorter timelines and far fewer fall-throughs, and why confidence in digitisation, reliable data and clear standards will be essential if change is to stick. With reform work under way and more focus on upfront information, the episode sets out why mortgage intermediaries have such a key role in getting buyers ready early and staying close to developments that could shape how homes are bought and sold in the years ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the award-winning Mortgage Insider - back for 2026. Property expert and TV presenter Phil Spencer MBE will once again guide you through the trials and tribulations of the housing world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For mortgage intermediaries, few periods have felt as complex or fast-moving as they are today. Keeping track of regulations, understanding the impact of AI, and managing rising client uncertainty in the current political climate are among the biggest challenges shaping the advice process. In this episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Stephanie Charman, CEO of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI). Together, they discuss how the trade body provides clear, practical guidance to more than 80% of the UK’s intermediary community, helping them navigate an ever-evolving environment. The discussion examines how technology is reshaping advice and asks the critical question - can technology keep up with regulations? Steph also highlights the ongoing importance of protection and the need to close the protection gap, while sharing how AMI’s ‘Working in Mortgages’ initiative is helping attract and retain new, diverse talent across the industry. It’s a candid, forward-looking conversation about how intermediaries can remain resilient, informed and compliant, while continuing to provide trusted, personal advice in an increasingly digital world. This episode was recorded on 13th October 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forecasting into 2026 is already being shaped by lingering economic uncertainty, shifting consumer trends and tighter consumer spending. With the labour market slowing, the unemployment rate edging up and the impact of AI changing early-career roles, these pressures are influencing confidence, demand and how homebuyers and homeowners plan their next steps. This special episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, recorded live at Barclays HQ in London, brings host Phil Spencer together with Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor at the Financial Times, Richard Donnell, Executive Director for Research at Zoopla, and Lee Hopley, Director of Economic Insight and Research at UK Finance, to explore these themes and much more. They tackle inflation, rising household bills and tax changes, and why younger households feel less certain about pay and job security. The discussion also looks at the growing role of the Bank of Mum and Dad, regional contrasts, changes in buy-to-let, the move towards more structured portfolios, the value of protection and the expected spike in remortgage activity over the next year. With buyers and homeowners facing increased financial pressure, the panel set out why the advice process matters more than ever and offer the insight brokers need to support a wide range of client needs as we head into 2026. This episode was recorded live at Barclays HQ in Canary Wharf on 18 November, one week before the Autumn Budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 saw a record number of fraud cases filed with the National Fraud Database. While mortgage fraud still represents a small proportion of overall UK fraud, there is a reported 5% increase in the number of mortgage fraud cases involving false application. In the latest instalment of the Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Mike Haley, CEO of CIFAS, and Nicola Mawby, Financial Crime Manager at Mortgage Advice Bureau. Together, they examine the different types of mortgage fraud, including application fraud, manipulated income, identity misuse, money laundering and scheme abuse. The discussion goes beyond definitions to ask the crucial question: why do people commit fraud in the first place? The discussion also considers who bears responsibility in mortgage fraud cases and the long-term impact of CIFAS markers for those found guilty of deception. With technology and AI enabling more sophisticated false documentation, and affordability pressures prompting opportunistic behaviour, the conversation reinforces why brokers are the first line of defence. This episode delivers practical insights, expert guidance and real-world examples to help advisers protect their clients, their businesses and the wider market from the damaging effects of fraud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Figures from the National House-Building Council saw Q1 2025 register a 36% increase in new homes built across the UK compared with the same period last year, representing a striking development for the first-time buyer market. But with the higher cost of building, ongoing planning challenges and new and changing regulations, how sustainable is this growth? And what does it mean for brokers? In this episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Jenny Anson, Head of Sales at Pocket Living, and Ed McCoy, Group Sales Director at Persimmon Homes, to answer these questions. In addition, the conversation shines a light on the opportunities and pressures in the affordable housing sector, from innovative schemes that serve as an alternative to shared ownership, to specialist mortgages that support discounted purchase models. They also explore how larger housebuilders are adapting to regulatory change and why the intermediary mortgage market plays such a vital role in helping clients navigate new build purchases. Tune in for a frank discussion on supply, demand and affordability - and learn what intermediaries need to know about advising in an ever-evolving new build market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do the most expensive parts of the country reveal about shifting demand? And why is the Manchester housing market now outperforming many southern counterparts? In this episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast, host Phil Spencer is joined by Lucian Cook, Head of Research at Savills, and Ross Jones, founder of Home Financial and Evolve Commercial Finance, to explore how regional trends are redefining the UK housing, mortgage and buy-to-let markets. They take a closer look at London house prices and the ripple effect they’re creating across commuter zones. The conversation also turns to the Scotland housing market, which is showing late-cycle strength in key urban centres, and the Wales housing market, where contrasting conditions range from second-home hotspots to areas still grappling with post-industrial decline. They also unpack what the increased professionalisation of buy-to-let means for brokers, and how factors like yield, transport connectivity and tenant demographics are shaping smarter investment strategies. This episode is packed with insights on how shifting geography, affordability and yield are influencing buyer behaviour and why local knowledge is fast becoming a broker’s greatest asset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rising number of borrowers are finding it harder to access mortgages due to being credit challenged - whether that’s from historic debts, a county court judgment, or having little to no credit history. Research indicates that 14.8 million people in the UK have experienced adverse credit at some point, with 8.4 million affected in the past three years alone. For any mortgage broker, this growing segment of credit challenged borrowers represents not only a need for specialist support but also a significant opportunity to add real value. In the latest episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, Phil Spencer is joined by Eloise Hall, Head of National Accounts at Kensington Mortgages, and Alastair Douglas, CEO of TotallyMoney. Together, they unpack what it means to be credit challenged, the influence of the Buy Now Pay Later culture, how lenders are adapting, plus the lasting impact pandemic and the cost of living crisis. They explore the role of specialist lending, the value of personalised advice, and how brokers can play a vital role in helping credit challenged borrowers not only access responsible mortgage solutions but also work towards a path back to prime. With more people seeking debt advice and lenders introducing products tailored to meet complex credit needs, this episode dissects current market trends and offers practical insights into delivering better client outcomes.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mortgage market continues to evolve, and so too does the answer to the question: what is a high net worth individual in today’s market? In this episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, host Phil Spencer is joined by Stephen Moroukian, Head of Product and Proposition for Real Estate Financing at Barclays Private Bank, and Islay Robinson, founder and CEO of Enness Global. Together, they explore what brokers really need to know when supporting high net worth individuals. The discussion covers the growing use of shorter term mortgages and interest only mortgages, often used to support wealth structuring or for managing cash flow across complex portfolios. In addition, they highlight how traditional affordability checks rarely reflect the financial realities of clients with multiple income streams, differing levels of liquidity, offshore assets, or business holdings. The conversation also shines a light on how specialist private banks take a more holistic view, considering everything from bonus income and capital events to future earnings and lifestyle goals. From client expectations to marketing strategies, this episode is packed with insights for brokers looking to elevate their proposition in the high net worth space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An estimated 1.8 million fixed rate mortgage deals are due to expire in 2025, 400,000 more than in 2024. This surge in remortgaging presents a critical opportunity for mortgage brokers to offer essential advice and financial support to homeowners across the UK, ensuring they transition smoothly to new deals amid stabilising interest rates and heightened affordability checks.   In this episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast, host Phil Spencer is joined by Karina Hutchins, Principal, Mortgage Policy at UK Finance. Together, they explore the unique factors driving this spike in fixed-rate maturities, from the post-COVID stamp duty holiday surge to the volatile interest rate environment following the 2023 mini-budget. The conversation focuses on the importance of affordability checks, the distinction between product transfers and full remortgages, and the value of the advice process. Further insights are shared on how brokers can help borrowers avoid payment shock when transitioning from their existing fixed -ate mortgage and on the types of financial support available, including the Mortgage Charter and lender-led initiatives - solutions that many homeowners may be unaware of. This instalment also evaluates broader market trends, such as rising demand for longer-term fixed-rate mortgages and the evolving role of mortgage brokers as trusted strategic advisers. It’s an essential listen for those looking to strengthen client relationships, grow their business, and navigate the 2025 remortgaging wave with confidence. This episode was recorded on 11th March 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.