Confidence among mortgage advisers is “soaring”, according to mortgage network Stonebridge, with 81% of advisers upbeat about the mortgage market’s outlook over the next 12 months.

A survey of 265 of the network’s appointed representatives found that 71% were “positive” and a further 10% “very positive” about the year ahead.

Stonebridge noted that this marks a sharp rise in confidence compared with a year ago, when just 54% said they felt positive about the outlook for the market, a level that was up from just 14% in 2023.

The network’s findings also indicated that 73% of those surveyed believe they will write more business in the coming 12 months compared to the previous year, up from 62% a year ago.

“After a challenging couple of years, brokers are now far more optimistic about the opportunities ahead, with confidence levels the highest we’ve seen over the last three years,” chief executive at Stonebridge, Rob Clifford, commented. “That is a hugely encouraging sign for the industry. Of course, risks remain – from inflation to ongoing regulatory demands – but the direction of travel is positive.”

Stonebridge suggested its findings were influenced by an “improving environment” in the mortgage market, with rates continuing to ease from the highs of 2023 now the Bank of England base rate is sitting at 4%, and lenders therefore able to offer more competitive deals.

“As conditions continue to improve, we believe this growing optimism will translate into increased activity and further momentum across the mortgage and protection market,” added Clifford.

“We will continue to play our part in supporting our members make the most of that momentum with further investment in our support infrastructure and developments to our wholly owned technology.”

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