Inflation reportedly rose to 3.5% in September, increasing expectations of a possible rate rise, while recent geopolitical pressures have pushed swap rates higher. At the same time, lenders have continued to make selective price reductions, including residential cuts from Saffron and cuts by major high-street lenders. The result is a market where product availability and pricing can change rapidly.
Advisers need efficient processes to monitor live product changes and communicate promptly with clients, particularly where deals can be withdrawn quickly. Technology can assist with alerts, CRM prioritisation and case tracking, but it should support—not replace—clear conversations about payment shock, affordability and the trade-offs between fixed and tracker products.
Protection should remain central. Research indicates that four in five full-time workers without income protection have either mortgage or rental commitments, while 32% of 18-40-year-olds have used credit for rent, mortgage or housing bills. These figures reinforce the case for recording protection discussions alongside mortgage advice, especially for clients exposed to volatile household budgets.