Commenting on UK Finance's 2026 mortgage market forecast, David Morris, Head of Homes at Santander UK

15 December 2025

UK Finance have today issued (under embargo) their mortgage market forecast for 2026.

David Morris, Head of Homes, Santander UK commented on the forecast:

“This year has seen the market boosted with the stamp duty holiday, reduced mortgage affordability rates and improved loan-to-income multiples ,all helping with the overall challenge of affordability. However, now is not the time to rest on our laurels, as while lending is anticipated to continue to grow in 2026, a reduction in the number of transactions expected suggests that affordability pressures remain and buyers will need to access more money to get onto the property ladder. While the Government remains focused on their homebuilding pledge to ease affordability pressures, we must take this forecast as an incentive in the mortgage industry to continue to find ways to responsibly open-up access to borrowing that will help more buyers feel the security and stability that comes from owning a home.”