The Intermediary – July 2025 - Flipbook - Page 79
Insatiable appetite
SHAUN STURGESS
founder and managing director at Sturgess Mortgage Solutions
JESSICA O’CONNOR
is deputy editor
at The Intermediary
by Mark confirms that the average
property price has risen since April,
reinforcing confidence among buyers
and sellers alike.
Despite the uptick, signs of a
buyer’s market remain, with Jones
highlighting that “properties are,
for the most part, being accurately
valued,” as vendors recognise that
overpricing deters interest. Sturgess
adds that 2025 has been “easily the
busiest year I’ve ever experienced,”
crediting a more informed, digitally
engaged generation of clients who are
turning to brokers in greater numbers
than ever.
He adds: “More people now
understand the value of using a
broker rather than just sticking with
their current lender, and platforms
like TikTok and Instagram have
played a huge role in that. It’s created
a more informed, more proactive
generation of mortgage clients — and
that’s reflected in the sheer volume of
enquiries we’re receiving.”
Appetite and type
Residential appetite remains robust,
particularly in the lower to midmarket segments. Nevertheless,
Christopher Davies, principal at First
Mortgage Solutions, notes that “houses
over £400k seem to be staying for sale
he Swansea housing market remains steady. While we’re not
seeing the rapid spikes of 2021-22, properties that are priced
correctly are still moving, especially in key areas like Gorseinon,
Killay, Sketty, and areas close to the M4. Family homes are
holding value, and there’s consistent interest from both local buyers and
those relocating for lifestyle or work reasons. e appetite for
residential mortgages has been almost insatiable. I’ve been a broker for
nearly 10 years, and 2025 has easily been the busiest year I’ve ever
experienced. We’re seeing an incredible mix of clients – from first-time
buyers and home movers to those looking to remortgage or consolidate.
I think a big part of this surge is down to consumer awareness.
Buyer appetite has picked up again since the start of the year. Firsttime buyers, in particular, have shown real intent, especially as fixed
rates started to stabilise and even edge down in Q1 and Q2 of 2025.
We’ve had multiple weeks where applications were approved instantly.
e main trend at the moment is a shi toward shorter fixed-rate
periods. Clients are far more rate-sensitive now and want the flexibility
to review their mortgage within two to three years in case rates drop
further. Another noticeable pattern is the rise in clients using gied
deposits – more families are stepping in to help younger buyers.
Buy-to-let has been more cautious, but not dead. We’ve helped several
landlords remortgage this year, and there’s still good appetite, especially
in student-heavy areas like Brynmill and Uplands. Landlords are being
more strategic – switching to limited companies, reassessing yields, and
looking for value rather than just adding to portfolios. Sensible, longterm investors are still active and keen to lock in competitive rates.
T
for a lot longer,” largely due to the
lingering impact of post-Covid interest
rate rises.
Across the board, brokers report
a sustained hunger for residential
mortgages, driven by a mix of firsttime buyers, movers, and those
nearing the end of low fixed-rate deals.
“The appetite for residential
mortgages is high, and always will
be,” Davies adds, underlining the
importance of expert advice as clients
to today’s more elevated rates.
Jones agrees, noting that aer a
brief lull around April – aributed
to Stamp Duty changes – the appetite
for residential mortgages remained
strong, especially as lenders began
slashing rates in a competitive bid for
new business.
He explains: “The shi from June
into July has brought what appears
to be a rate war among lenders
competing for new business. As a
result, we’ve seen a noticeable increase
in client enquiries. →
July 2025 | The Intermediary
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