Allyship in action

The UK rental market has undergone significant change following the introduction of the Renters Rights Act 2025, with new rules around tenancies, the end of Section 21, rent increases, tenant selection and how landlords can regain possession of a property. But what do these reforms mean in practice for landlords and renters, and what should mortgage brokers be aware of when advising their buy-to-let clients? In the latest episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, and Catherine Westerling, Executive Head of Residential Lettings UK at Hamptons, to consider what they mean for the private rented sector. The discussion covers assured periodic tenancy agreements and Section 8 eviction grounds, alongside new landlord rent increase rules and growing tenant referencing problems. It also looks at the wider buy-to-let market, from the continuing imbalance between rental supply and demand to the growing use of buy-to-let company structures. As the reforms become established, understanding their practical implications will become increasingly important, making this a timely discussion for advisers looking to meet a wider range of landlord needs. This episode was recorded on July 3rd 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around 1.8 million fixed rate mortgages are expected to mature over the course of 2026, underlining the scale of the UK remortgage market. And with many borrowers potentially facing higher monthly payments, understanding the options available at maturity is increasingly important for a range of homeowners. In the latest episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Caroline Ambrose, Managing Director of Mortgage Customer Journeys for Barclays UK, and Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts, to discuss what the changing remortgage market means for brokers and their clients. Drawing on Bank of England mortgage data, they consider the potential payment shock facing borrowers, with around 750,000 customers currently paying rates below 3% due to come off their existing deals by the end of 2026. The episode explores product transfer vs remortgage, mortgage rate volatility and the launch of the new Barclays Fast Track remortgage proposition, designed to simplify switching and support brokers and borrowers through the process. With mortgage shelf life falling sharply during periods of volatility, the discussion also looks at how brokers can help customers consider fees, flexibility, affordability and their wider circumstances rather than focusing on the headline rate alone. As AI mortgage advice, social media and influencers increasingly become prominent sources of information, the value of trusted mortgage broker advice remains firmly in focus. With around £400bn of remortgage business estimated for 2027, the episode also looks at what lies ahead for brokers and their clients. Now available to watch on Spotify. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK housing affordability crisis continues to reshape the path to homeownership, with more young adults relying on family support than ever before.

AI is playing an increasingly important role in the mortgage and home buying journey; shaping how consumers, brokers and the wider industry engage with technology, where trust sits, and what comes next. Host Phil Spencer is joined by Dr. Carol McNaughton Nicholls, Managing Partner at Thinks Insight & Strategy and expert on human behaviour and financial decision making, and Chris Williams, Founder & Managing Partner of Novus Strategy, specialising in digital transformation across the property ecosystem. Drawing on insights from across the market, their conversation explores how innovation is transforming the mortgage journey, while highlighting the areas where human expertise still remains critical with AI around. From AI-powered mortgage advice in the UK to the growing use of AI tools by brokers, they explore where the technology is already delivering impact. With consumer sentiment evenly split, 18% of UK consumers are enthusiastic AI adopters, matched by another 18% who remain sceptical, AI adoption is still gathering pace, particularly in areas like process automation, broker efficiency tools and AI-driven remortgage outreach. But the reality is clear: AI is firmly positioned as an assistant, not an adviser. The discussion also tackles the balance between innovation and trust. With consumer opinion split, many clients are comfortable using AI for research but still expect a human in the loop when it comes to decision-making. That dynamic reinforces the broker’s role in guiding and reassuring customers through what remains a complex home buying experience. Looking ahead, the episode considers what’s next? From better digital integration across the property chain to an evolving regulatory landscape, and what all of this means for the future role of brokers in an increasingly AI-driven market? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Scotland housing market 2026 continues to stand apart and for any mortgage broker Scotland-based, understanding the Scottish property market is key. In this episode of Mortgage Insider, host Phil Spencer is joined by Colleen Badcock (Rightmove, Head of Partner Marketing and Property Expert) and Lynne Peterkin (First Mortgage, Managing Director, Scotland) to explore what it really takes to buy a house in Scotland. From how the Home Report shapes pricing and bidding, to the realities of offers over and the speed of transactions, they unpack how the Scottish system works including how long it takes to buy a house in Scotland, compared to Scotland vs England conveyancing speed. With high demand from first-time buyers in Scotland, the conversation shares practical Scotland first-time buyer tips and how to get on the property ladder in Scotland. We also cover the technical detail such as Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), the Scotland additional dwelling supplement tax, whether Scotland is a seller’s market, and why strong yields for Scottish landlords continue to attract interest. The episode also dives into the data behind Scotland house prices, including regional differences in house prices in Scotland, and how the market compares. The guests discuss affordable homes in Scotland vs England to the key question: is it cheaper to buy in Scotland? Plus, trends around moving from London to Scotland, moving from South-East England to Scotland, and a full Scotland vs England property market comparison. A focused, practical deep dive into one of the UK’s most distinct property markets.