Mortgage adviser activity rose by 19% month-on-month in March, as searches totalled 2.15 million, analysis by Twenty7tec has shown.

The firm’s latest Mortgage Market Snapshot report, which analysed INSIGHT Pro data, revealed that this figure also increased by 17% year-on-year, to the highest level of activity so far in 2026.

Twenty7tec said the increase in activity comes against a backdrop of continued global and domestic economic pressure, with volatility in energy markets, geopolitical tensions and changing inflation expectations all having contributed to movement in swap rates and mortgage pricing in recent months.

The firm added that this prompted borrowers to act more decisively.

Remortgaging remained a key drive of activity, as residential remortgage searches increased by 32% month-on-month to 907,610, and borrowers approaching the end of existing deals moved quickly to secure new rates.

Purchase activity also strengthened despite ongoing affordability challenges, as residential purchase searches jumped 8% compared to February to 725,485, which Twenty7tec said suggests that underlying demand remains resilient.

First-time buyer searches increased by 5% month-on-month to 173,752, although activity remained slightly below last year’s levels, while the buy-to-let market saw total searches rise by 18% from February as landlords continue to reassess borrowing strategies in response to evolving market conditions.

Chief customer officer at Twenty7tec, Nathan Reilly, said the latest data shows how closely borrower behaviour is linked to wider economic signals.

He concluded: "The increase in search volumes reflects a market reacting to a mix of improving momentum and ongoing uncertainty. On the global side, volatility in energy markets and wider geopolitical tensions have continued to influence inflation expectations and mortgage pricing, while here in the UK borrowers are still navigating affordability pressures.

"The report also highlights a shift in the types of cases advisers are handling. Searches relating to applicants on visas moved to the top of criteria queries in March, reflecting a growing number of complex borrower scenarios and a broader mix of client profiles entering the market.

"While recent global developments have begun to ease some market pressures, uncertainty remains a key factor shaping borrower behaviour. The March data suggests advisers are navigating this environment in real time, balancing affordability challenges with continued demand across both purchase and remortgage segments."

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