Brilliant Solutions

Express Payment Requests are showing error messages but please ignore these as the requests are being received. The error relates to the email confirmation only. 

The company will be closing early on Tuesday 16th September at 2pm for all staff training across all departments. We will be open as usual on Wednesday 17th September. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. 

The deadline for express requests on the 16th September will be 1 PM.

 

In honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II our offices will be closed on Monday 19th September while our staff pay their respects.

The office will re-open at 9am on Tuesday 20th September.

Shawbrook Bank Update

Announcement

Home-A-loan: The State of the Nations Finances

The UK mortgage market is more fragmented than ever. As financial pressures grow, many people no longer meet the strict criteria of mainstream lenders. That’s where the specialist mortgage market steps in. Shawbrook’s retail mortgage offering – delivered through specialist brands The Mortgage Lender and Bluestone Mortgages, is designed to support customers with complex needs, unique circumstances, or non-standard income. Their combined insights form Home-A-loan, a new report examining how financial insecurity is shaping borrower behaviour.

The State of the Nation’s Finances

UK households remain under intense financial pressure. This latest research shows a nation split: while 38% of adults say their financial wellbeing has improved over the past year, the same number report feeling worse off. This divide points to growing inequality in financial resilience, particularly among older adults and women.

Over half (51%) of those aged 55–64 say their finances have deteriorated, compared to just 18% of 18–24-year-olds. Meanwhile, 43% of women feel worse off, versus 33% of men. These groups are more likely to need lending solutions that account for non-standard income, complex credit histories, or major life changes.

The Cost of Coping

The average adult is now £224 worse off each month than a year ago, rising to £262 for mortgage holders. In response, 60% have cut non-essential spending. Others are updating budgets, switching providers, or taking on extra work. These behaviours reflect financial adaptability, but also show how many borrowers are operating in “survival mode.”

For brokers, this means working with clients who may be more financially informed but under greater emotional and economic strain. Understanding these pressures can help shape more empathetic and practical conversations.

Optimism Amid Adversity

Despite ongoing challenges, 49% remain optimistic about their financial future. Among 25–34-year-olds, that figure rises to 71%. This optimism is often driven by increased financial planning (40%), personal savings (38%) and job stability (34%).

For brokers, this presents an opportunity: by focusing on forward-looking conversations – around affordability, security, and planning. You can help clients turn cautious optimism into action.

Missed Payments and Rising Credit Use

Missed payments are rising sharply. Some 38% of adults missed at least one bill in the past year – up from 24% in 2024. Surprisingly, many of these individuals (51%) are in full-time work.

At the same time, 56% of adults report increased reliance on unsecured credit. For those with complex credit histories, this jumps to 87%. These figures highlight the importance of specialist lending in helping clients rebuild or regain access to affordable credit.

Brokers Bridging the Gap

While 58% have sought support, many remain unsure where to turn. That’s where brokers come in.

“As financial pressures continue to take their toll, customers’ situations will become ever more complex. Brokers have a crucial role to play in this environment, educating customers on the options available to them and empowering them to seek support as needed.” – Steve Griffiths, Retail Mortgages Commercial Director.

Download the full report here

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