The 2026 outlook every broker needs to know

Forecasting into 2026 is already being shaped by lingering economic uncertainty, shifting consumer trends and tighter consumer spending. With the labour market slowing, the unemployment rate edging up and the impact of AI changing early-career roles, these pressures are influencing confidence, demand and how homebuyers and homeowners plan their next steps. This special episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, recorded live at Barclays HQ in London, brings host Phil Spencer together with Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor at the Financial Times, Richard Donnell, Executive Director for Research at Zoopla, and Lee Hopley, Director of Economic Insight and Research at UK Finance, to explore these themes and much more. They tackle inflation, rising household bills and tax changes, and why younger households feel less certain about pay and job security. The discussion also looks at the growing role of the Bank of Mum and Dad, regional contrasts, changes in buy-to-let, the move towards more structured portfolios, the value of protection and the expected spike in remortgage activity over the next year. With buyers and homeowners facing increased financial pressure, the panel set out why the advice process matters more than ever and offer the insight brokers need to support a wide range of client needs as we head into 2026. This episode was recorded live at Barclays HQ in Canary Wharf on 18 November, one week before the Autumn Budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.