The mortgage market has been a very fast and rickety ride in the first five months of the year, with market volatility creating a mix of concern and uncertainty across the industry.
The war in Iran has caused swap rates to spike, leading to record lending weeks, rapid product changes and reduced product availability. Rising mortgage rates have also impacted borrowers’ affordability.
The need for adviser support is only increasing
But if recent months have shown us anything, it’s that, in times of uncertainty, advice matters more than ever. That’s why we continue to champion the value of advisers, and to support their education. Advisers bring not only technical expertise but also the guidance and reassurance that borrowers need.
Market volatility has meant advisers need to be more agile than ever, combining expertise with the personal support clients rely on in uncertain times. Taking out a mortgage is a financial and emotional decision, and advisers help borrowers navigate it. Their value also extends well beyond the home search, particularly with millions of fixed-rate deals due to end in 2026.
For borrowers, advisers are not just there as a support with financial guidance; they truly understand their clients’ wider circumstances and priorities. Advisers also offer support when talking through concerns, even giving out-of-hours reassurance.
At L&G’s Mortgage Club, we’ve seen firsthand the impact advisers have had. Last year we celebrated three decades in the industry, and we couldn’t have reached this milestone without the brilliant advisers, lenders and colleagues who have supported us. Together we achieved £133.1bn in lending and supported 620,000 customers.
Market volatility has meant advisers need to be more agile than ever
Advisers are doing a brilliant job supporting clients on the front line, but lenders have worked hard behind the scenes to support the market’s health during these uncertain times. Lenders have also provided as much notice as possible when products changed or were withdrawn, keeping the market efficient. Across the industry, the focus has been on doing the right thing for borrowers.
Role of technology
The Financial Conduct Authority has reopened debate on the future of the mortgage market, with reforms focused on first-time buyers, innovation, disclosure and vulnerable consumers. It has also encouraged the use of technology and artificial intelligence, with the aim of helping advisers to deliver better and faster advice while keeping a human touch.
However, while digital tools can support research and processing, nothing can replace the value of human guidance and expertise when choosing a mortgage product. Our research shows that, despite the growing use of digital tools, borrowers still place enormous value on expert advice from a person. We found that less than one in 10 borrowers would arrange a loan using only automated tools.
We’ve launched a Specialist Lending Academy for advisers, to help them build their expertise and confidence
These powerful findings show that the role of an adviser extends well beyond the mortgage. They are increasingly seen as a trusted partner, supporting customers across multiple stages of life. There is no doubt that digital tools will become more embedded in the advice process, but they should complement advisers.
Adviser education
As the market becomes more complex, the need for adviser support is only increasing. New technology, shifting regulation and varied borrowing needs all mean advisers must balance technical expertise with the judgement and reassurance their clients need.
That is why adviser education matters so much. To deliver the best outcomes, advisers need the confidence and knowledge to support a broader range of circumstances, particularly in the advice-rich specialist lending market, where cases can be more nuanced.
Advisers truly understand their clients’ wider circumstances and priorities
Hence we’ve launched a Specialist Lending Academy for advisers. The programme reflects our commitment to championing the value of advice by helping advisers build their expertise and confidence.
Advisers’ dedication to high-quality, client-focused service is essential for the sustainability of the advice sector and for fostering trust in the evolving mortgage market. Their expertise ensures that clients receive personalised advice in a time of rapidly changing rates and product options, safeguarding consumer interests and financial wellbeing.
Clare Beardmore is a director at Legal & General Mortgage Club
This article featured in the June 2026 edition of Mortgage Strategy.
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