Mortgage adviser activity rose sharply in March, with total searches reaching 2,150,593, as borrowers responded to ongoing economic uncertainty and shifting mortgage pricing, according to the latest Mortgage Market Snapshot from Twenty7tec.
Data from INSIGHT Pro shows this represents a 19% increase compared with February and a 17% rise year on year, marking the highest level of activity so far in 2026.
The increase comes against a backdrop of continued global and domestic economic pressure. Volatility in energy markets, geopolitical tensions and changing inflation expectations have all contributed to movement in swap rates and mortgage pricing in recent months, prompting borrowers to act more decisively.
Remortgaging remained a key driver of activity. Residential remortgage searches rose to 907,610 in March, up 32% month on month and 37% higher than the same period last year, as borrowers approaching the end of existing deals moved quickly to secure new rates.
Purchase activity also strengthened despite ongoing affordability challenges. Residential purchase searches reached 725,485, up 8% compared with February and 5% year on year, suggesting underlying demand remains resilient. First-time buyer searches increased by 5% month on month to 173,752, although activity remains slightly below last year’s levels.
The buy-to-let market saw renewed momentum, with total searches reaching 343,746, up 18% from February and 12% higher year on year, as landlords continue to reassess borrowing strategies in response to evolving economic conditions.
Nathan Reilly, Chief Customer Officer at Twenty7tec, said the data highlights how closely borrower behaviour is linked to wider economic signals.
“The increase in search volumes reflects a market reacting to a mix of improving momentum and ongoing uncertainty. On the global side, volatility in energy markets and wider geopolitical tensions have continued to influence inflation expectations and mortgage pricing, while here in the UK borrowers are still navigating affordability pressures.”
The report also highlights a shift in the types of cases advisers are handling. Searches relating to applicants on visas moved to the top of criteria queries in March, reflecting a growing number of complex borrower scenarios and a broader mix of client profiles entering the market.
While recent global developments have begun to ease some market pressures, uncertainty remains a key factor shaping borrower behaviour. The March data suggests advisers are navigating this environment in real time, balancing affordability challenges with continued demand across both purchase and remortgage segments.
The Mortgage Market Snapshot is produced using live search data from Twenty7tec’s INSIGHT Pro platform, providing a real-time view of adviser behaviour and emerging trends across the UK mortgage market and is a free download.
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