The network surveyed 113 of its brokers earlier this month, finding 79% of those in Wales and the South West and South East of England were optimistic about the year ahead.

Overall confidence is even greater in protection, with 82% of all respondents anticipating they will write more business this year, increasing to 89% among brokers specifically in Wales and the South West.

In total, 15% of respondents expect volumes to hold steady, while 4% expect to write less.

In terms of business areas they’re most excited about, 57% of all brokers said the remortgage market represents the biggest opportunity in 2026.

In contrast, only 12% felt that first-time buyers would be the biggest opportunity with even less (4%) feeling this way about BTL lending.

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Despite overall optimism, the research still found brokers are wary about headwinds.

In the sample, economic uncertainty and customer affordability were listed as challenges by 36% and 32%, respectively, of respondents.

“These findings show a positive mood among brokers in Wales and the South of England,” said Neil Hoare, sales director at LSL Financial Services.

“After several years of higher rates, weaker affordability and subdued activity, there is now a growing sense that the market is turning a corner.

“Brokers are seeing improving affordability, a large volume of fixed-rate mortgages coming up for renewal and a steady return of buyer confidence, all of which is feeding into a much more positive outlook for 2026.”