However, despite the latest BSA figures showing that gross lending by mutuals rose 20% year-on-year in May to £1.8bn, 45% of brokers have not noticed any change from building societies.
A further 21% think that mutuals are offering better products but not much relationship building.
Jonathan Cornell, communications director at First Action Finance, said: “Building societies have got slightly more money to lend and the easiest way is through intermediaries.
“Mutuals, especially smaller societies, are very nimble at spotting gaps in the market and exploiting them with some brilliant products, such as the Yorkshire’s track and fix deal.
“Everyone can do more, but if mutuals were to exclude members, they would be in trouble. All in all, building societies are doing a great job.”
Paul Broadhead, head of mortgage policy at the BSA, said: “The intermediary sector has always been a focus for mutuals. Where we see a difference is smaller building societies moving into the intermediary sector, as it works really well for their distribution.
“Our sector has had a lot of best buys recently and there is a keenness on both sides to work together. There is a recognition that building societies offer something different.
“I wouldn’t say there is a greater need for mutuals to work harder – they always have.”
