Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) has reported a notable increase in first-half revenue and mortgage completions, despite operating in a challenging UK housing market characterized by low consumer confidence and fluctuating mortgage rates. The technology-driven property finance group achieved a 16% rise in mortgage completions, totaling approximately £16.5 billion for the six months ending 30 June 2026, compared to £14.2 billion in the same period last year.
How Did MAB Perform Financially?
MAB’s revenue climbed by 8%, reaching around £160 million, up from £148.2 million in the first half of 2025. This growth was primarily fueled by an increase in property refinancing activities, contrasting with the previous year’s surge in purchase lending ahead of changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax relief. The adjusted profit before tax is projected to be approximately £14.6 million, nearly unchanged from £14.5 million in the first half of 2025.
What Trends Are Emerging in the Mortgage Market?
The group’s share of new mortgage lending increased to 8.3% in the five months leading up to 31 May, up from 8.2% the previous year. Additionally, MAB’s share of product transfers rose to 3.2%, compared to 2.9% in the previous year. The number of mainstream advisers also grew by 3%, reaching 2,194 by the end of June 2026, with average revenue per adviser remaining stable at £74,000.
What Does This Mean for Borrowers and Brokers?
For borrowers, MAB’s performance indicates a potential opportunity for refinancing, especially as the company anticipates 70,000 fixed-rate mortgage maturities in the second half of the year. This could lead to increased refinancing volumes, particularly as consumers navigate uncertainty in interest rates. Brokers should be aware of the heightened mortgage applications, which were 15% higher year-on-year during the first 19 weeks of 2026, before experiencing a decline of 13% in the subsequent seven weeks. Overall, year-to-date applications still show a 7% increase compared to the previous year.
What Should Investors Watch Next?
Investors and stakeholders in the mortgage market should keep an eye on MAB’s upcoming interim results, scheduled for 22 September 2026. The company’s performance in the second half of the year will be important, particularly regarding how refinancing trends evolve and how consumer confidence shifts in response to ongoing economic conditions. The mortgage market’s dynamics are likely to continue fluctuating, influenced by interest rate movements and broader economic indicators.
Frequently asked questions
What factors contributed to MAB’s revenue growth?
MAB’s revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase in property refinancing, alongside a rise in mortgage completions despite a challenging market environment.
How can borrowers benefit from MAB’s performance?
Borrowers may find opportunities for refinancing as MAB anticipates a significant number of fixed-rate mortgage maturities in the second half of the year, potentially leading to more competitive rates.