Intermediaries See Busiest Quarter Since 2010 Amid Falling Market Confidence

Mortgage intermediaries in the UK have seen their busiest quarter in 16 years, according to new figures from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA). In Q2 2026, these professionals placed an average of 105 mortgage cases per year, up from 96 in Q1 and the highest level since Q1 2010.

This growth is supported by Bank of England data showing that gross secured lending rose by £9bn over the quarter to £77bn. Decisions in Principle (DIPs) also increased, with an average of 29 dealt with during Q2, up from 26 in Q1.

However, despite this increased activity, net confidence in the mortgage industry fell by 13 points to 66, and in the intermediary sector by 12 points to 70. Kate Davies, executive director of IMLA, noted that 'the most striking feature of these figures is the contrast between sentiment and activity.'