More than three quarters (83 per cent) of mortgage brokers said lenders have not kept pace with changing borrower needs, research from Nottingham Building Society has revealed.
That is according to a survey conducted by Censuswide among 500 UK mortgage brokers in March 2026.
It revealed that 86 per cent of mortgage brokers said it was important for lenders to develop and provide products and criteria that support a broader range of financial circumstances.
Nottingham BS said the research reflected growing broker concern that not enough of the mortgage market is adapting to how people earn and manage money.
Aaron Shinwell, chief lending officer at Nottingham Building Society, said: “What brokers are telling us feels very real in the current climate.
“Households are juggling higher living costs, changing work patterns, and more uncertainty, yet too many aren’t able to pass standard affordability assessments.
“Rigour in affordability matters, but so does relevance. Particularly in an environment where money is tight for many.”
Almost a third (32 per cent) of brokers cited people returning from career breaks as the group most disadvantaged by mainstream mortgage affordability assessments.
That was followed by borrowers with multiple income streams (31 per cent), applicants with irregular or seasonal income (29 per cent) and those relying on bonuses, commission or overtime (29 per cent).
Over a quarter (28 per cent) of brokers said self-employed borrowers were particularly disadvantaged.
According to government figures cited by Nottingham BS, 4.5mn people in the UK are classified as self-employed.
Shinwell said: “As the FCA looks again at whether the rules are fit for modern borrowing, this is a moment for lenders to be more pragmatic and human in how we assess affordability.
“That means recognising diverse income patterns, life events, and career paths — while still lending responsibly.
“If we get that balance right, we can support more sustainable home ownership whilst lending responsibly.”
When it comes to solutions, 32 per cent of brokers said that placing greater emphasis on affordability reform would be the single most effective lever for improving mortgage outcomes in the current market.
hereward.mills@ft.com
