The Intermediary – August 2026 - Flipbook - Page 10
RESIDENTIAL
Opinion
Brokers matter
when rates
dominate headlines
M
ortgage rates
continue to
dominate
headlines, with
every Bank of
England base rate
announcement, inflation update or
economic forecast prompting debate
about where borrowing costs might
head next.
For customers, it’s easy to see why.
Buying a home or remortgaging is
one of the biggest financial decisions
they will make. With affordability a
key consideration when choosing a
mortgage, it’s entirely understandable
that borrowers pay close aention
to rate movements and want to
understand what might influence the
options available to them.
One of the most common questions
brokers are asked is why mortgage
rates don’t always move in line with
changes to the Bank of England
base rate.
It’s a reasonable question, but
the reality is that mortgage pricing
is influenced by a range of factors.
Expectations around inflation,
economic growth, funding costs
and wider market conditions
can all play a role, alongside the
individual strategies and priorities of
different lenders.
That complexity is precisely why
the role of a broker is so valuable.
While customers have access to more
information than ever before, turning
that information into a well-informed
decision can be difficult.
Headlines may explain what’s
happening in the wider economy,
but they don’t always explain
what it means for an individual’s
circumstances, priorities and longterm plans.
Brokers bridge the gap
Whether a customer is purchasing
their first home, moving house or
reviewing an existing mortgage,
brokers provide valuable context that
goes beyond rate alone. They help
customers understand the options
available, weigh up the potential
benefits and trade-offs of different
Big decisions: With affordability in the balance, borrowers are paying attention to rate movements
8
The Intermediary | August 2026
RHYS POWELL
is interim head of distribution
at Bank of Ireland for
Intermediaries
products, and make decisions based on
their individual needs.
The importance of this role was
highlighted during our recent
webinar with brokers. There was
significant interest in understanding
the factors that influence rates, but
also recognition that customers need
support navigating what can feel like
an increasingly complex market.
Importantly, brokers help
customers focus on what they can
control. While no one can predict
future market movements with any
certainty, customers can consider
factors such as affordability, product
features, flexibility and how a
mortgage fits into their wider financial
goals. Managing expectations is a key
part of the value brokers provide.
Different lenders will respond to
market conditions in different
ways, and that can sometimes create
confusion for borrowers.
By helping customers understand
the broader picture, brokers can
support more informed and confident
decision-making.
There will always be speculation
about where rates may go next, and
those discussions will continue to
aract aention.
But the real value brokers bring
is helping customers cut through
the noise, focus on what maers
most to them and make decisions
that are right for their individual
circumstances.
In a market where information is
everywhere, trusted advice and expert
guidance have arguably never been
more important. ●
