Cloud Mortgages Joins Stonebridge Network: Impact on UK Mortgage Market in 2026

Cloud Mortgages, a rapidly growing mortgage firm, has switched its network to Stonebridge from Primis. The firm, which has grown from two advisers in 2025 to six and plans to expand to 10 by the end of the year, is known for its strong customer service reputation. This move could potentially influence the mortgage rates and services available to borrowers in the Midlands, North West, and Scotland.

Impact on Mortgage Rates and Services

First-Time Buyer Scenario

Consider a first-time buyer in Nottingham looking to purchase a property valued at £250,000 with a 90% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. With the current mortgage rates at 3.75%, their monthly repayment would be approximately £1,169. However, if Cloud Mortgages, under the Stonebridge network, were able to offer a competitive rate of 3.5%, the monthly repayment would decrease to £1,122, resulting in a yearly saving of £564. This could make homeownership more affordable for first-time buyers, especially in a market where property prices have been steadily rising.

Remortgager Scenario

A remortgager in the North West with a £200,000 mortgage at a 75% LTV could also benefit. At the current base rate of 3.75%, their monthly repayment would be around £926. If Cloud Mortgages were able to offer a lower rate of 3.5% under the Stonebridge network, the monthly repayment would drop to £898, resulting in a yearly saving of £336. This could provide significant relief for homeowners looking to remortgage, especially in a market where rates have been on an upward trend.

Landlord Scenario

For a landlord with a £200,000 interest-only buy-to-let mortgage, the monthly cost at the current base rate of 3.75% would be around £625. If Cloud Mortgages, under the new network, were able to offer a lower rate of 3.5%, the monthly cost would drop to £583, resulting in a yearly saving of £504. This could potentially increase rental yields for landlords in a market where rental demand is high but profits have been squeezed by rising costs.

Market Context

As of May 2026, the UK base rate stands at 3.75%, a significant increase from the 0.1% rate seen in May 2021 according to the Bank of England. This rise has led to increased mortgage rates across the board. Over the past year, the average two-year fixed mortgage rate has risen from 1.19% in May 2025 to 1.95% in May 2026, according to mortgage rate comparison data. Cloud Mortgages’ move to the Stonebridge network could potentially offer more competitive rates to borrowers, providing some relief in a market characterized by rising costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cloud Mortgages’ switch to Stonebridge mean for borrowers?

This move could potentially lead to more competitive mortgage rates and improved services for borrowers in the Midlands, North West, and Scotland.

How could this move affect first-time buyers?

First-time buyers could potentially benefit from lower mortgage rates. For example, a 0.25% reduction in rate on a £250,000 mortgage could lead to a yearly saving of £564.

What could this mean for those looking to remortgage?

Remortgagers could also benefit from lower rates. A 0.25% reduction on a £200,000 mortgage could result in a yearly saving of £336.

How does this fit into the wider market context?

In a market characterized by rising mortgage rates due to a higher base rate, Cloud Mortgages’ move to Stonebridge could potentially offer some relief to borrowers by providing more competitive rates.