The survey was conducted in the weeks immediately after the Autumn Budget, with many brokers describing a temporary pause as businesses assessed the impact of fiscal changes, including the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions.

Of the 580 respondents, 30% said that applications remained stable, with the bank suggesting that this points to resilient momentum despite a challenging economic backdrop.

Rising demand was driven primarily by businesses seeking to purchase their own premises (44%), alongside increased refinancing activity as firms look to benefit from easing interest rates.

More than a quarter of brokers reporting growth attributed the uplift to a rise in clients raising finance to invest, indicating early signs of returning confidence in the market.

In H2 2025, borrowing motivations moved decisively towards long-term investment. Far fewer businesses were borrowing simply to keep operations running, falling from 22% in late 2024 to 6% a year later, while applications to raise capital held firm at 33%.

Refinancing gathered pace too, with 56% of brokers seeing higher activity as fixed-rate terms ended and pricing became more competitive.

For those brokers that reported a decline in commercial mortgage applications, the reasons were familiar: rising costs and continued uncertainty around interest rates.

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In terms of bridging finance, 55% of brokers said they had seen a notable growth in applications from clients seeking to finance light and medium refurbishment projects, rising from 45% in H1 2025.

What brokers expect for 2026

Some 39% of commercial mortgage brokers reported being optimistic about the market over the next six to 12 months, while fewer than a quarter expressed concern.

Bridging finance brokers were more positive, with 55% reporting confidence and 15% saying they are concerned.

When asked in which sectors they expect to see the strongest growth over the coming year, 55% of broker responses identified property investment as the standout sector. Care homes and construction followed closely, both at 34%.

Technology driving change

Many brokers reported meaningful improvements driven by digital underwriting, automated valuations and AI-led processes. Over half of commercial mortgage brokers said that technology has improved speed and efficiency across both commercial mortgage and bridging divisions.

Charissa Chang, head of broker sales for the North and Midlands at Allica Bank (pictured above), said: “What really stands out from this survey is that brokers are still feeling confident going into 2026.

“Even at a time marked by uncertainty brokers are seeing steady demand, with strong appetite in sectors like property, care homes and construction.

“This reflects the resilience and ambition of the established businesses that brokers support. Many continue to invest, refinance and plan for the future, relying on brokers’ expertise to guide them, and that’s a positive signal for the year ahead.”