Speaking at IMLA’s Annual Lunch in London, Stinton (pictured) acknowledged that recent geopolitical developments, including the conflict in the Middle East, have created fresh uncertainty around the outlook for interest rates.
However, he noted the market’s resilient nature, pointing to a strong recovery in lending activity following the September 2022 mini Budget, when mortgage rates rose sharply.
Stinton noted that, in 2025, gross mortgage lending rose 19% year-on-year to £288bn, with house purchase lending up 18% and remortgaging up 20%. Buy-to-let (BTL) lending remained broadly stable.
Fundamentals remain strong
He said: “These are not just figures; they represent families moving, landlords adjusting, buyers returning with confidence and advisers supporting them through uncertainty.
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“We have seen demand rebalance, credit quality remains resilient and, critically, the fundamentals of homeownership in the UK remain as strong as ever.”
Looking ahead, Stinton described the industry as being at a pivotal moment, shaped by rapid advances in technology and evolving regulation.
“Busy times, and I believe we now stand at a fascinating crossroads,” he said.
He highlighted the growing role of data, automation and digital integration in improving customer outcomes, while also warning that innovation must be matched by strong governance around issues such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) fairness.
Stinton also reinforced the importance of collaboration across the market, particularly between lenders and intermediaries, noting the IMLA’s role in ensuring the industry has a strong and united voice.
“As we look to the rest of 2026 and beyond, I genuinely believe this is a moment of opportunity,” he said.
