The Intermediary –- May 2026 - Flipbook - Page 36
RESIDENTIAL
Opinion
Backing the broker
at the highest level
A
t times of uncertainty,
all any of us want is a
steady hand to guide
us. It’s no different
in mortgages,
and we’ve seen
how broker support for buyers and
those remortgaging has been more
important than ever over the last
few months.
This view is shared among
consumers, as our recent Broker
Perception Barometer showed – 86%
of consumers felt their intermediary
had a critical role in them
progressing confidently through the
homebuying journey.
The support isn’t just emotional,
as three-quarters (73%) of those who
bought, remortgaged or took a product
transfer (PT) in the last year said they
saved money directly as a result of
using a broker.
But we also know that brokers need
support in their roles, too. Our Broker
Pledges address just that.
As rates have moved up and
down, we’ve continued to provide a
minimum of 24 hours’ notice to our
intermediary partners to help them
manage their work-life balance.
The importance of the broker to
give confidence to our customers
can’t be overstated which is why, in
his first few months in seat, the CEO
of Santander UK, Mahesh Aditya,
wanted to take some time to sit down
with broker representatives and hear
more about their world.
Reaching out
The conversation took place over a
round-table breakfast at our Triton
Square Office and was an opportunity
for brokers to share both what
they’re hearing from clients and how
they’re feeling.
Topics included the recent
geopolitical unrest, the everchanging
swap rates, how a determined group
of buyers and sellers are continuing
to keep the market moving, and what
we can do to support the brokers
community. There was even a
mention of our latest TV campaign
which sees Ant and Dec returning,
GRAHAM SELLAR
is head of Santander
for Intermediaries
this time to talk all things mortgages.
Aendees spoke about the struggles
in their world including in aracting
new talent, and the need to evolve
their business models.
The conversation moved onto
opportunities in the market, not just
to grow existing market share but to
grow the market by innovating for
different buyer and homeowner types.
One particular area of focus was
for later life borrowers, with a broad
agreement that there was a need to
provide responsible options to unlock
the trillions of pounds in equity
in the UK.
It was a fruitful and productive
session which le everyone smiling.
Backing the broker is of the highest
importance to all of us, and something
we’re commied to supporting
throughout the year. We would
encourage anyone to reach out to their
KAM with any questions or feedback.●
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The Intermediary | May 2026
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March 2026 | The Intermediary
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