What mortgage advisers learned in 2025 and what will matter most in 2026 – Ward

Cases still progressed, but they often took longer, involved more questions, and required closer management to keep borrowers on track.

One of the clearest shifts has been the growing influence of identity and financial checks on how smoothly a mortgage case moves from agreement to completion. These checks are no longer a final administrative step. They can influence timelines, borrower confidence, and the amount of work advisers need to do behind the scenes.

The stage of the process causing the most friction

In the past, delays were often blamed on missing paperwork or late responses. Today, the pressure point has moved. Many cases now slow down because a borrower’s financial position needs to be explained in greater detail than they expected.

Deposits are rarely straightforward. They are built from a mix of savings, family support, previous property sales, investments or irregular income. Each element needs to be understood and evidenced. For borrowers, this can feel intrusive. For advisers, it means more time spent preparing clients for questions they didn’t realise they would face. The advisers seeing the fewest disruptions tend to be those who recognise early that explaining the ‘money story’ can be as important as securing the loan itself.

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Borrowers are more open but expectations still need managing

One positive change has been borrower behaviour. Clients are generally more willing to share financial information digitally than they were a few years ago. That openness makes it easier for firms further down the chain to see verified information sooner, and reduces the back-and-forth that used to stall cases.

However, increased openness doesn’t automatically mean faster outcomes. When borrowers assume that sharing account access is the end of the process, frustration can quickly follow. The reality is that financial checks often raise new questions rather than closing them. Advisers play a key role here. Setting expectations early that these checks are detailed, necessary, and designed to protect everyone involved can prevent small issues from turning into major delays later on.

Speed isn’t the same as certainty

There is a growing push to make the home buying process quicker, and technology has helped in many areas. But speed on its own doesn’t guarantee progress.

A fast check that doesn’t provide enough clarity simply pushes the problem further down the line. This is why conveyancers, who carry much of the legal risk, will often pause or repeat checks if they are not confident in the information they receive. For advisers, this matters because it explains why a case that appears ‘ready’ can suddenly slow. It’s not a lack of effort, but a lack of certainty.

Looking ahead to 2026

As pressure continues to build around transaction times and consumer outcomes, 2026 is likely to bring more focus on how information is shared across the property chain. Not fewer checks, but better ones. Not more forms, but clearer standards. And less duplication where information has already been gathered to a level others can rely on. Advisers who understand where risk truly sits, prepare borrowers properly, and work closely with legal partners will be best placed to navigate that shift.

In a market where trust and clarity matter as much as speed, the adviser’s role as guide, translator, and steady hand is only becoming more important.