Mortgage Insider

Allyship is a vital component in advancing diversity and inclusion efforts, as it involves using our privilege to support underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those within the neurodiversity spectrum. By actively participating in DEI initiatives and mentoring, allies help normalise conversations around representation while providing guidance and opportunities for marginalised communities. Creating a more equitable world where everyone can thrive through allyship is at the heart of the latest episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast. This sees host and property expert Phil Spencer joined by Sidney Wager, head of intermediary market development at Barclays, and Aleka Gutzmore, award-winning financial adviser and educator, to discuss how allyship can be defined, perceived and implemented. As well as covering topics such as the upcoming Barclays Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit and Awards, reverse mentoring and what actions brokers can be taking, the trio outline the importance of curiosity, empowerment, unconscious bias and being active rather than passive. This makes for an informative, challenging and important discussion on an often underrepresented area of the DEI conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a new Labour government in place, an autumn budget and the US election fast approaching, the old suspects of inflation and tax rises still generating much debate, there’s plenty to discuss from an economic standpoint.  To help break down this complex economic landscape and explore its implications for the intermediary mortgage market, by popular demand, Will Hobbs, Head of Multi-Asset Wealth at Barclays UK Wealth Management, returns to share his insights, clarify key trends and offer expert analysis on what the future holds for the industry.  With his characteristic optimism and boundless enthusiasm, Will joins host and property expert Phil Spencer to chat about the UK’s position in the global market, the upcoming budget, technological advancements, the lasting impact of the pandemic, housing supply challenges, public sector wages, and why he remains positive about the UK’s economic outlook.  This detailed assessment provides brokers with valuable perspectives and essential indicators on how to navigate the current economic climate and what to expect in 2025.  This episode was recorded on 3rd September.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During a cost of living crisis, the additional expense of life insurance, critical illness, income protection and even protecting a mortgage may seem like an unnecessary burden for homeowners. However, this protection is arguably more crucial than ever. According to ONS figures, 2.5 million people in the UK are unable to work due to long-term illness, and Cancer Research data indicates that half of us will develop some form of cancer in our lifetime. So, how can mortgage intermediaries help their clients prepare for worst-case scenarios without coming across as if they're making a sales pitch? Host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Barry Kellegher, performance manager at Legal & General, to discuss these three pillars of protection—life insurance, critical illness, and income protection. They explore how these protections differ, how individuals can better safeguard themselves, their loved ones, and their mortgages, and highlight just how tough these conversations can be. Barry also shares his personal experience of suffering a sudden brain haemorrhage despite being fit and healthy. He explains what brokers can learn from his experience and how they can build deeper client relationships by offering tailored advice on these sensitive topics. All of which proves to be an emotional, insightful and thought-provoking listen. This episode was recorded on the 22nd of November.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Machine learning in finance, the adoption of AI and technology regulation are all hot topics in their own right. Then throw into the mix the potential of automated mortgage advice and what an AI mortgage broker may look like and it's little wonder that intermediary firms across the UK are considering how the role of a broker may change as the AI revolution continues to gather pace.  So, what exactly does the mortgage intermediary market need to know about AI and how is it going to change the way they do business? This is the question posed by host and property expert Phil Spencer to guests Stuart Cheetham, CEO of Mpowered Mortgages, and Lilia Christofi, Microsoft's banking lead for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, in the latest episode of the award-winning Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast.  This leads to an enlightening discussion which explores the differences between machine learning AI and generative AI, the reliance on cultural adoption, how the banking industry is coping with the adoption of AI, the challenges facing legacy platforms, and the ability of AI to increase workflows and enhance customer relations.  And this is certainly an episode which no forward-thinking broker can afford to miss.  This episode was recorded in April 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, what are green mortgages?   Green mortgages come in many different forms, but all aim to incentivise buyers in the purchase of energy efficient homes or make energy-related improvements.   Through increased innovation and rising environmental awareness, green mortgage products are being launched at an ever-increasing rate to incorporate important factors such as decarbonisation, EPC ratings and retrofitting. With this in mind, the latest episode of the award-winning Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast sees host and property expert Phil Spencer joined by Kieran Campbell, head of sustainability & customer experience at London and Country and Rachael Hunnisett, associate director for built environment at the Green Finance Institute to help break down exactly how green mortgages work, who can get one, how they are financed and what brokers need to know about them. The discussion also explores the history of the sector, how brokers can help stimulate demand, the nuances connected with green finance, the state of the current green mortgage market and what the future might look like. In short, the green mortgage is here to stay and it should be heralded as a good thing. And, as a rapidly evolving area of the mortgage market, it’s imperative for brokers to stay informed about its potential benefits. We hope this episode helps arm you with the information required to provide your clients with valued insights into this fascinating sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mortgage brokers have long been experts in dealing with new challenges. Be this in the form of regulation, technology – especially AI –, a worldwide pandemic, rising interest rates and heightened cost of living pressures. That’s quite a list, but it still doesn’t cover a fraction of the questions being asked of them by their clients in the current financial climate. So, how can brokers adapt their businesses to deal with this ever-changing world? Will AI replace mortgage brokers? And how important is greater collaboration in the industry to ensuring a more seamless homebuying and mortgage journey? Joining host Phil Spencer to examine how brokers can overcome these testing times is Max North, director at Strategy&, the strategy consulting arm of PWC and Liz Syms, owner and founder of brokerage Connect Mortgages and mortgage network Connect for intermediaries. The trio talk about the key factors which are impacting brokers’ daily lives and the advice they are giving. This highly illuminating discussion incorporates the magnitude of managing client expectations, the influence of Consumer Duty, the role of intergenerational wealth transfer, the opportunities attached to AI and how brokers can demonstrate their value now, and in the future. This is an expansive topic which provides many valuable touch points for the intermediary community when it comes to assessing client requirements, as well as the needs of their business going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent times, there’s been much talk around the financial challenges facing the UK population. However, it’s important to remember that financial circumstances can also improve. Additional, and often unexpected, funds can come in differing forms such as inheritance, insurance payout(s) or even winning the lottery. With inheritance being the most likely scenario, and paying off a mortgage high on the financial planning agenda of many homeowners, this often leads to the question - should I use this inheritance to pay off my mortgage? The answer to this important question is one of the key talking points in the latest instalment of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast which sees host Phil Spencer joined by mortgage broker Carly Cheeseman and content creator, financial adviser and partnership development manager at The Openwork Partnership, Robyn Allen. This discussion evaluates the options available to people when it comes to planning their financial future, the importance of the advice process, the strength of client relationships and the value of honest communication. It also focuses on the impact of Consumer Duty, how to adopt a more holistic approach and the benefits of attached to offset mortgages. All with the intention of helping clients to look at the bigger picture rather than focusing on a small window.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The buy-to-let market has undergone some major challenges and changes in recent years, all of which have impacted landlords and property investors to varying degrees. Rental yield has long been a vital component within landlord calculations but another increasingly important consideration in recent times has been whether to set up a limited company. To incorporate or not to incorporate is one of the key talking points in the latest episode of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast. This discussion on the nuances of the current buy-to-let market sees host and property expert Phil Spencer joined by Emily Mays, founder of The Mortgage Stuff and Gina Peters, partner and head of landlord and tenant law at Dutton Gregory Solicitors. Within this, the trio focus on the stamp duty surcharge, the Renters Reform Bill, opportunities for property investors, short-term and holiday lets, ongoing tax implications, rent-to-rent, how brokers can help buy-to-let clients in 2024 and where to aim their advice. All of which demonstrates the additional thoughts and planning required by landlords and property investors, as well as the value attached to the advice process in such a complex and fast-paced sector. This episode was recorded on 22nd November 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For almost 10 years, the Help to Buy scheme proved incredibly successful in helping over a quarter of a million borrowers across the UK to buy a home. But, with this scheme now having ended in England and Scotland, this leads to the question of what – if anything – can replace it. In the latest episode of Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast, host Phil Spencer is joined by Mobeen Akram, New Homes Director at the Mortgage Advice Bureau and Mitch Atkins, director at Michael Usher Mortgage Services as they delve into the history of Help to Buy, why it worked, why it ended, alternative buying schemes and the challenges facing young house buyers. The conversation also highlights some of the government-backed and private schemes currently available to help first-time buyers, including Lifetime ISA’s, the First Homes Scheme and shared ownership. It also touches on individual mortgage products such as Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor, the increasingly prominent role being played by the Bank of Mum and Dad, intergenerational lending and the Barclays Springboard mortgage. So, what might replace Help to Buy in the future? This episode was recorded on 24th October 2023 prior to the Autumn Statement and the latest Bank of England base rate decision. Mortgage Insider is a Fresh Air Production for Barclays created by Julie-Anna Needham and Annie Day with Helen Carter and Sophie Devonport from Barclays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mortgage market is currently experiencing growing demand for long-term mortgages – otherwise known as marathon mortgages - with some lenders even offering up to 40-year terms to help attract more young buyers onto the property ladder. So, will marathon mortgages be THE 2024 trend for first-time buyers? Or, with mortgage rates falling, is it simply a passing phase? To answer these questions and more, James Tucker, CEO at Twenty7Tec and Lewis Shaw, owner of Shaw Financial Services join host and property expert Phil Spencer in the latest instalment of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast - now brought to you on a monthly basis. This discussion delves into attitudes towards longer-term mortgages from within the UK and overseas, lending approaches from a risk perspective, the ability for such a product to prop up the housing market and how vital it is for borrowers to fully understand the potential implications. It also examines the impact of age, occupation and conditions best suited to working beyond potential retirement age. And focuses on how crucial it is for any borrower contemplating such a product to seek ongoing support from advisers to ensure they are making the right decision for both their present, and future, needs. This episode was recorded on 22nd November 2023. It’s a Fresh Air Production for Barclays created by Julie-Anna Needham and Annie Day with Helen Carter from Barclays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The past few years have seen the relentless rise of the Bank of England base rate dominate lending and borrowing decisions across the mortgage market. This significant uplift has led to an even more complicated picture around affordability, stress testing, the influence of mortgage swap rates and generated a flurry of future interest rate forecasts amid some lingering economic uncertainty. To add some clarity to these shifting market dynamics, the latest episode of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast sees host and property expert Phil Spencer joined by Charles Roe, director of mortgages at UK Finance. With a huge number of moving parts involved in the lending and advice process, Charles carefully evaluates the different funding mechanisms, outlines the subtle variations between traditional building society and banking models and explains the impact of Consumer Duty. He also broaches the current Table Mountain interest rate approach as opposed to the more recent Matterhorn effect, emphasises the importance of the relationship between lenders and the intermediary market in generating good outcomes and highlights what brokers should be watching out for in 2024. All of which makes for a detailed and illuminating analysis of past, present and future lending conditions. This episode was recorded on 24th October 2023 prior to the Autumn Statement and the latest Bank of England base rate decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK's housing market remains in a state of flux. Interest rates are at their highest level for 15 years, house prices are faltering, and the UK economy is still feeling the lingering aftermath of last year’s mini-budget. On a more positive note, following a period of swap rate turbulence, mortgage rates are slowly but steadily coming down, inflation is falling and we continue to see a very different regional picture, especially in and around the London housing market. This all leads to ongoing uncertainty. So, to help lift the lid on the UK housing melting pot, the latest instalment of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast sees Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank join host and property expert Phil Spencer to evaluate some of the most prominent influencing factors. The episode focusses on topics such as ongoing affordability issues, transaction volumes, the performance of the buy-to-let sector, new build and the impact of a changing political landscape.  The discussion also tackles the complex world of mortgage swap rates to determine why they are so important to the housing market, how brokers can better support their clients over the coming weeks and what they should be keeping an eye on going forward. Meaning there is plenty to digest and dissect. This episode was recorded on 24th October 2023.  It’s a Fresh Air Production for Barclays created by Julie-Anna Needham and Annie Day with Helen Carter from Barclays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK economy continues to dominate conversations across the country in the wake of the transition to a higher interest rate environment, rising cost of living pressures, an increased focus on unemployment figures and shifts in the labour market. In a bid to unpick the current economic position and help us understand what it all means for the intermediary mortgage market, the latest season of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast kicks off with host and property expert Phil Spencer being joined by regular guest and Chief Investment Officer, Barclays Private Bank & Wealth Management, Will Hobbs. In his own unique style, Will highlights the importance attached to positive real wage growth, how historic interest rate conditions relate to the current economic climate and the ongoing performance of European and US markets. He also tackles the question of whether interest rates have peaked and outlines why he remains so optimistic about UK economic conditions. This in-depth discussion offers some exclusive insights and indicators into what mortgage brokers should, and shouldn’t, be paying attention to and how to avoid the doom narrative around the UK economy. This episode was recorded on 24th October 2023.   It’s a Fresh Air Production for Barclays created by Julie-Anna Needham and Annie Day with Helen Carter from Barclays.  References Jeremy Hunt said the UK’s financial situation is definitely worse than in spring, in an interview with Sky News. Latest ONS data on owner-occupied houses with mortgages available here. Excess savings are clustered in the top 40% of households, according to this speech by economist Gerjan Vlieghe based on data from NMG Consulting and Bank of England calculations. Latest ONS data on household savings available here. Eight Centuries of global real interest rates by Paul Schmelzing available to read here. Information on average base rates available here using data from the Bank of England. Information on business confidence in the UK available here. Institute for Fiscal Studies predicts a moderate recession in 2024 here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Returning soon, a new series Mortgage Insider, Barclays' award-winning podcast for mortgage brokers. Hosted by TV presenter and property expert Phil Spencer, the new series will see leading industry experts, brokers and Barclays’ own team of experts continue to delve deep into the pressing issues that are shaping the mortgage and housing markets. The conversations will cover topics such as the performance of the UK economy, the intricate processes behind rate-setting and potential alternatives for the help to buy scheme. The new series returns on the 14th November so hit follow now so you don’t miss any future episode.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the need for financial advice growing exponentially in an increasingly complex economic landscape, many perceived barriers remain for all too many people across the UK. The final episode in Season 4 of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast evaluates where these barriers appear, the progress being made by the mortgage industry to overcome them and what more brokers can be doing to make the advice they offer more inclusive, more accessible and easier to understand. Host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Jodi Spreadbury, Senior Mortgage & Protection Adviser at The Mortgage Broker Ltd,  Sidney Wager, Mortgage Intermediary Partnership Director at Barclays and media commentator, financial adviser and author of ‘Get Your Money Right’ Emmanuel Asuquo. They dissect a plethora of topics including the perils of unregulated advice, how to identify vulnerable clients, the influence – both negative and positive – of social media, Consumer Duty, breaking perceptions around the advice process, the importance of financial education and what it feels like to be excluded. It certainly proves to be an authentic, enlightening and inspirational discussion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following on from episodes which have focused on why buying a house is so complicated and the changing role of the mortgage broker, the latest instalment in the award-winning Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast dusts off its crystal ball to predict the homebuying and selling journey of the future, what’s going on behind the scenes to make this happen and the future role of the mortgage broker. Host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Maria Harris, Chair of the Home Buying & Selling Technology Group and John Reynolds, Chief Operating Officer and founder of Coadjute as they offer their thoughts on what the homebuying process might look like in 5, 10 or even 20 years’ time and how the intermediary mortgage market can keep up with any digital transformation. This illuminating analysis charts the impact of AI, the importance of good data, open banking and the steps required to create a seamless end-to-end property transaction. It also includes a call to action for brokers to demand more from their tech providers, seek better connectivity and to continue pushing the tech boundaries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following his appearances on Series 1, 2 and 3 of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast, William Hobbs, Chief Investment Officer at Barclays Wealth & Investments, is back by popular demand to help make sense of current economic conditions in his own inimitable style. Will joins regular host and property expert Phil Spencer to carefully plot his way through what remains a mixed economic picture. Within the podcast, he outlines the ramifications of recent economic shocks, the role played by the media, interest rates projections, inflationary challenges and how technology can help regenerate the UK economy. He also addresses fears of a new banking crisis, how the government can manage debt burdens accumulated over the pandemic and outlines the key areas for mortgage brokers to focus on in their daily business activities and throughout the advice process. This episode offers some fascinating insights into the complex nature of the UK economy and how it reacts to domestic and world events. This episode was recorded on 19th May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Evolving and adapting to meet ever-changing lending and borrowing needs is second nature to mortgage brokers. Which leads to the question - how are they doing business differently in 2023? In the latest episode of Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by two mortgage brokers - Helen Pierson, director at Mortgage Advice Bureau, New Homes and Neil Ryner, director of Ryner and Partners - to discuss shifting client needs and the impact on the advice process. Within this discussion, they tackle a range of topics ranging from how to advise a generation of borrowers who haven't experienced an interest rate rise through to the importance of realigning business practices and marketing efforts to align with current market conditions. The trio also address the pace of change throughout the mortgage industry, the difference between information and advice, the ongoing need for education and training, the impact of consumer duty, and the difficulties of identifying and servicing the needs of vulnerable clients. This offers a fantastic insight into the life of a mortgage broker and the demands faced by themselves and their clients in the current economic climate. This episode was recorded on 11th April.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying a house remains one of life’s most stressful events but is the methodology too onerous, lengthy and overly complex? This is the question, amongst many others, which was posed to representatives of three of the most prominent components in the homebuying process - the mortgage broker, the estate agent and the conveyancer. Episode 8 of Barclays award-winning Mortgage Insider podcast sees mortgage broker Tom Jackson, managing director at Cooper Associates, Peter May, sales director at estate agency Location, Location and Suman Dally, head of conveyancing at law firm Shoosmiths join regular host and property expert Phil Spencer to provide an in-depth overview of the homebuying and selling journey. This discussion includes their individual takes on the procedures involved in this journey, the importance of preparation and education for buyers and sellers, the reliance on government and trade bodies, the impact and limitations of technology, and how to speed up the transition from offer to exchange. It’s vital for all links in the homebuying chain to find better ways to improve the customer experience and this podcast offers a great starting point to help transform what can be a sometimes archaic process.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK mortgage market has always generated a huge variety of ways to help people achieve their homeownership goals and, despite operating in a higher interest rate and inflationary environment which is placing additional pressure on affordability, an array of mortgage products remain available to meet individual borrowing needs. In the latest episode of Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast, regular host and property expert Phil Spencer chats with Rebekah Commane, Group Editor of Mortgage Strategy and Mortgage Finance Gazette and Michael Clarke, Product, Policy and Regulatory manager at Barclays to evaluate the many different types of mortgages currently on offer. The discussion transitions from the multiple options available for first-time buyers through to the nuances of the Offset mortgage. It includes an in-depth look at Barclays Family Springboard mortgage, the Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor option, the appeal of tracker mortgages and a number of government and lender-led ways to bridge the gap left by the closure of the Help to Buy scheme. This comprehensive overview of the current product arena also focuses on how to integrate a range of offerings into the advice process and how to think differently about mortgages in 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.