Santander publishes 'Broker Perception Barometer' and reports 89% of all property purchases so far this year went via a broker

by Aaron Strutt

Mar 10 2026

For the second quarter running, two-thirds (63%) of all homeowners say they couldn’t have gone through the homebuying or remortgaging process without a broker.

In Santander’s quarterly ‘Broker Perception Barometer’ the lender reports 89% of all property purchases to date this year, took place through a broker, up 3% since 2024. 

Brokers remain the “backbone of the homebuying journey” in today's ever-changing economic backdrop, with two-thirds (63%) of borrowers admitting they couldn’t have gone through the homebuying process without the support of a broker for the second quarter running, according to research released by Santander.

In Santander’s latest ‘Broker Perception Barometer’, a quarterly survey of 500 mortgage holders to measure consumer attitudes and sentiment toward brokers, shows that homeowners continue to rely on using a broker for their mortgage needs, with more than four fifths (83%) stating that they would use a broker again if purchasing a new property or changing mortgage provider.

First-time buyers admit to speaking to their mortgage broker more than their friends when seeking support with the process

A new generation with new expectations. Santander’s previous Broker Perception Barometer last December highlighted the power of human touch in a tech-enabled world, something demonstrated again this quarter, with one in ten (11%) homeowners looking for empathy in their broker (rising to 14% for first-time buyers). Today’s research also reveals differences in how younger borrowers engage with brokers, showing a clear preference for pace, with 75% of those aged 18- to 34- years old considering their broker as “responsive”, compared to 90% of those aged 35-years old and above.

When asked who they turned to the most during the homebuying journey, first-time buyers admit to speaking to their mortgage broker (24%) more than their friends (22%) when seeking support with the process. Providing clarity and reassurance, in today’s market, shaped by rising economic certainty, consumers perceive brokers as playing a critical role in supporting buyers to progress confidently with the homebuying journey (85%).

This is particularly true for 83% of those who have just bought their first home in the past year, who said their broker made them feel more secure about the process. At a time of heightened living costs, affordability - something an overwhelming 95% of first-time buyers said their broker helped them fully understand - remains at the forefront of borrowers’ minds.

When asked to imagine they were buying their home again in 2026, pressures from the cost-of-living crisis (25%), budgeting for upfront costs (26%) and rising interest rates (30%) were the three things homeowners would be most concerned about. First-time buyers said they would be particularly worried about (21%) overpaying for a property when prices are so volatile.

Graham Sellar, Head of Intermediary Channels, Santander UK, said: “During a time of global economic uncertainty, more than ever, borrowers look for guidance and a sense of security that they are getting the best possible outcome for their mortgage needs. Brokers play a hugely vital role in this - not only by securing the best deals and saving homeowners money - but providing reassurance and emotional support too.”

One in 10 (9%) first-time buyers list emotional support as one of the most important aspects of the broker service - rising to 12% for younger borrowers (aged 18-35 years old), four times more than those over 35 years old.

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The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

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