Good Mortgage Network | The UK mortgage market is evolving rapidly. According to the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA), 87 % of residential mortgages were arranged through intermediaries in 2024. That share is expected to rise to 89 % in 2025 and 91 % in 2026. During the first quarter of 2025, the number of appointed representative (AR) firms increased by 140 across networks with more than 20 AR firms. Even so, the number of FCA‑authorised mortgage advisers stayed stable. Many advisers are leaving large firms to start independent businesses.
These statistics demonstrate the increasing value of network membership beyond mere regulatory oversight.
While compliance remains the basic requirement for any network, brokers want emotional, psychological and technological support. A good mortgage network not only helps advisers meet the FCA’s rules but also addresses deeper human needs: belonging, trust, professional development, and autonomy. This article explores the psychology behind a strong network. It demonstrates how Connect Network utilises research-backed methods, modern technology, and inclusive lender access to build a thriving community for brokers.
Market Context: Why Networks Matter More Than Ever
The mortgage industry changes often. Brokers must adapt to regulatory shifts, changes in interest rates and evolving customer expectations. Research from Network Consulting indicates that the number of AR firms does not necessarily make a network the “best”; each network’s offerings and culture differ significantly. Many advisers adopt the AR model so they can run their own brand while using a principal firm’s regulatory status. Yet, brokers also value the ability to build their businesses independently. It is crucial to support independence without cutting off guidance and resources.
IMLA forecasts that total mortgage lending will grow from £237.5 billion in 2024 to £275 billion in 2025 and £295 billion in 2026. Buy-to-let lending is expected to increase by 14%, reaching £38 billion by 2025. These rises suggest brokers will face heavier workloads. To succeed, advisers need networks that do more than manage regulation; they must offer marketing tools, technology, training, and well-being support.
Compliance and Regulatory Support
What Good Looks Like
| Category | What Good Looks Like | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clear regulatory guidance | Practical FCA-aligned support | Advisers should receive clear guidance that explains how to apply FCA rules in everyday client work. This includes suitability expectations, file verification processes, and real-world examples that demonstrate how to meet regulatory standards. |
| Proactive compliance reviews | Regular audits and case checks | A strong network carries out scheduled audits, case reviews, and continuous monitoring. This helps advisers stay ahead of potential issues and understand where improvements can be made before problems occur. |
| Accessible support teams | Fast and reliable advice | Compliance teams must be easily accessible so advisers can resolve questions quickly. This reduces delays in case submission and supports confident decision-making in complex scenarios. |
| Protection for your business | Reduced risk and stronger outcomes | Robust compliance systems help minimise the risk of breaches, complaints, and financial penalties. A network that prioritises regulatory quality protects clients and fosters a long-term business reputation. |
Technology and Operational Efficiency – Reducing Admin for Brokers
A modern mortgage network should offer technology that streamlines workflows, reduces administrative pressure, and supports consistent, compliant advice. High-quality systems enable brokers to work faster and more accurately, allowing them to devote more time to client relationships and business growth.
Below is a structured data table presenting the key elements.
| Feature | Description | Benefit to Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced sourcing tools | Access to high-quality sourcing software covering a wide range of lenders and products. | Faster product research, stronger recommendations, and improved handling of complex cases. |
| Integrated CRM systems | CRM platforms that manage leads, cases, communications, renewals, and compliance documents in a single system. | Reduced admin, fewer errors, and an organised workflow from enquiry to completion. |
| Digital client onboarding | Online fact finds, secure ID verification, and digital document uploads. | Shorter onboarding times and smoother processing when managing higher case volumes. |
| Reporting and business analytics | Dashboards and analytics that track performance, trends, and business growth. | Informed planning, stronger decision-making, and better long-term business management. |
Lender Access and Product Breadth Data Table
| Category | What It Includes | Why It Matters for Advisers | Client Types Supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-street lenders | Major UK banks and building societies offering residential and first-time buyer products | Builds client confidence, offers predictable criteria, and supports quick decisions for straightforward cases | First-time buyers, home movers, remortgage clients |
| Specialist lenders | Providers offering solutions for complex income structures, adverse credit, and non-standard applications | Essential for clients who fall outside mainstream criteria and need tailored underwriting. A strong network fosters close relationships, enabling faster case placement. | Self-employed clients, contractors, clients with adverse credit, and complex affordability cases |
| Buy-to-let and HMO lenders | Lenders experienced in investment properties, portfolio landlord rules, HMO licensing, and limited company lending. | Gives advisers the ability to support property investors with specialist requirements. Helps structure tax-efficient and scalable portfolios | Individual landlords, portfolio landlords, limited company SPVs, HMO investors |
| Commercial lenders | Lenders covering business premises, semi-commercial buildings, and mixed-use properties | Allows advisers to diversify beyond residential lending and support clients expanding into commercial investment or trading premises | Business owners, commercial investors, developers |
| Bridging finance lenders | Short-term property finance providers for time-sensitive or chain-break scenarios | Offers solutions for auctions, refurbishment projects, or cases needing fast completions | Investors, developers, and clients facing property-chain issues |
| Development finance lenders | Providers funding new builds, conversions, and major refurbishment projects | Enables advisers to support clients with larger or phased property projects while expanding into higher-value finance areas | Property developers, experienced investors, builders |
| Network-wide lender partnerships | Collective relationships maintained by the network with high-street and specialist lenders | Ensures advisers benefit from competitive criteria, flexible underwriting discussions, and improved access compared to approaching lenders alone | All adviser and client types |
Training, Mentorship, Broker Growth, Community and Culture
| Category | Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Training and Growth | Structured training programmes | Induction modules and ongoing workshops keep advisers informed about new products, regulations, and best practices. Training helps maintain confidence and professional development. |
| Training and Growth | Mentorship from experienced advisers | New and returning brokers receive one-to-one guidance from senior professionals. Mentorship shortens the learning curve and builds long-term confidence. |
| Training and Growth | Business development support | Networks provide marketing tools, lead generation support, and guidance on building a client base. This helps advisers increase income and grow their market presence. |
| Training and Growth | Opportunities to specialise | Specialist lending training enables brokers to expand into areas such as commercial lending, bridging finance, development finance, or lending to foreign nationals. This increases earning potential and creates niche expertise. |
| Community and Culture | Supportive environment | Brokers feel valued and supported regardless of experience. A positive internal culture improves adviser satisfaction and reduces turnover. |
| Community and Culture | Regular events and networking | Training days, meet-ups, conferences, and online communities encourage advisers to share ideas and stay updated on industry developments. |
| Community and Culture | Sense of belonging | Strong networks recognise individual achievements and treat advisers as individuals, creating loyalty and a sense of belonging to a meaningful community. |
| Community and Culture | Collaboration over competition | Open communication encourages advisers to support one another. This improves client outcomes and strengthens the wider network. |
The Connect Difference: Good Mortgage Network
Connect meets advisers’ practical needs and psychological requirements.
| Need | How Connect Meets It |
|---|---|
| Trust and Belonging | Builds strong internal relations, peer learning, and clear leadership |
| Independence and Guidance | Advisers run their own business while gaining operational support |
| Competence and Growth | Continuous training, mentor contact, and real‑world case studies |
| Technology and Efficiency | Tools to reduce admin, manage compliance, speed up tasks |
| Access and Inclusion | Lenders who accept unusual profiles, foreign nationals, and self‑employed clients |
These elements help advisers grow their practice sustainably. Clients receive better service when advisers are well-supported. Networks that deliver both practical services and psychological value offer a strong competitive advantage.
Thank you for reading our publication “Good Mortgage Network UK | What Brokers Should Look For.” Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!