The UK mortgage market has experienced a slight uptick in non-advised mortgage sales, according to recent data from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This change indicates a growing trend among borrowers opting for self-directed mortgage solutions, which could have implications for both lenders and consumers.
What Do the Latest FCA Figures Reveal About the Mortgage Market?
The FCA’s Product Sales Data for 2025 highlighted that non-advised sales accounted for a higher proportion of the market compared to the previous year. Out of 1.08 million new mortgage transactions recorded, 83% were intermediated, a marginal decrease from 84% in 2024. The overall volume of mortgage sales remained stable, despite a notable dip in Q2, likely influenced by the stamp duty threshold change in April.
How Did Different Mortgage Segments Perform in 2025?
New mortgage sales saw a 14% year-on-year increase, with first-time buyer transactions rising by 16% to 380,715. However, the first-time buyer sector was less active in Q2, with only 77,116 sales compared to approximately 100,000 in other quarters. Meanwhile, homemover mortgages increased nearly 15% to 328,337, although this segment also saw a slowdown in Q2.
What This Means for Borrowers and Brokers in the Mortgage Market
The rise in non-advised sales suggests that more borrowers are comfortable navigating the mortgage market independently. This trend may encourage lenders to enhance their online platforms and resources to cater to self-directed consumers. For brokers, the steady demand for intermediated sales indicates that their expertise remains valuable, particularly in navigating complex mortgage options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the rise in non-advised sales?
The increase in non-advised mortgage sales suggests that borrowers are increasingly confident in managing their mortgage applications without professional guidance, which may lead to changes in how lenders market their products.
How did remortgage activity trend in 2025?
Remortgage activity peaked in Q3 with 93,755 completions, contributing to an overall 12% increase in remortgages from 289,059 in 2024 to 324,034 in 2025, indicating sustained interest in refinancing among existing homeowners.