Podcast
Mortgage Insider
Hosted by Barclays · EN
The evolving role of the mortgage broker is becoming increasingly complex. The performance and potential of the housing market is an ever-changing landscape, but help is here.
The award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast – brought to you by Barclays – is back and better than ever. Renowned TV presenter and property expert Phil Spencer guides you through the trials and tribulations of the housing world.
Phil, along with industry-leading guests from the world of economics, financial services, and of course housing, takes you beyond the headlines to help you navigate the world of mortgage markets.
This is an in-depth plunge into the world of mortgages, so listen and follow to find out more about the current mortgage market, how rates are set, the insider take on housing, changes to buy-to-let, marathon mortgages and helping clients plan for a worst-case scenario.
The Mortgage Insider Podcast – you can’t afford to miss it.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Can new build housing meet demand in 2026?
2w ago00:27:01Tap to summarizeThe 2026 housing market is shaping up to be a story of returning demand set against a continuing housing supply crisis, with new build homes at the centre of the challenge. In this episode of Mortgage Insider, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation, and Craig Hall, Director of Strategic Partnerships at LSL Financial Services, to explore the latest property market outlook and what it means in practice. The discussion looks at how planning delays and policy changes are influencing new build delivery, and how this is affecting demand across the UK. It also explores current mortgage trends, how lenders are adapting, and the role mortgage rates and affordability play in shaping buyer behaviour. A key part of the conversation focuses on first-time buyer challenges and the growing debate around Help to Buy alternatives. It also considers how homebuilders are adjusting to current conditions, and what this means for brokers. This episode offers a clear and balanced view of the factors shaping the new build sector and wider housing market, with practical insight into what brokers should focus on in an increasingly complex lending and economic environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →What does the UK economy mean for mortgage rates right now?
Apr 1400:17:59Tap to summarizeThere has been no shortage of change in the UK economy, and mortgage brokers are having to help potential and existing homeowners interpret fast-moving headlines, swap rate turbulence and the potential direction of Bank of England interest rates. In this episode of Mortgage Insider, Phil Spencer is joined by Julian Lafarge, Chief Market Strategist at Barclays Private Bank, and David Baker, Managing Director of Brooks Mortgages, to break down what is driving current conditions and what brokers should focus on. They explore the link between oil prices, inflation expectations and central bank decisions, alongside the latest UK inflation forecast and what it could mean for future interest rate hikes. The discussion also explores the role of swap rates, why market pricing can shift so quickly, how the fixed rate mortgage market is being impacted, and what can learned from previous periods of disruption, from the credit crunch to more recent geopolitical shocks. The episode also looks at the human side of market volatility, from client anxiety to broker burnout, and why reassurance, perspective and early contact can make such a difference. The guests underline the value of staying close to existing clients, keeping renewals under review and helping borrowers make decisions based on their own plans rather than the wider panic. For brokers working through another period of uncertainty, this episode offers timely insight into the state of the UK economy, the outlook for those looking to remortgage and how to reassure clients while maintaining confidence and perspective. For more information on the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter: https://mimhc.co.uk/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Should every first time buyer be treated as vulnerable?
Mar 1700:28:08Tap to summarizeFor many first-time buyers, the home buying process can feel confusing, full of jargon and hard to follow. And with affordability concerns and rate changes still shaping the UK housing market, securing a first-time buyer mortgage can feel more daunting than ever for all too many. In this episode of Mortgage Insider, Phil Spencer is joined by Louise Baxter MBE, co-CEO of Consumer Friend, and Kate Faulkner OBE, Chair of the Home Buying and Selling Council and founder of PropertyChecklists.co.uk, to discuss how the experience of buying a house can be improved for first-time buyers. They explore why clearer language and better communication are vital when arranging a first-time buyer mortgage, and how many people still struggle to ask questions if they do not fully understand the information being shared. The discussion also looks at how the challenge can be even greater for neurodivergent buyers, including those with dyslexia. Complex language, the volume of documentation and unclear explanations can make the process harder to follow, which is why using plain English, clearer layouts and simpler presentation can make a real difference. Finally, the guests underline the value of strong mortgage broker advice, from checking a client’s understanding to explaining key points in different ways and giving buyers the time they need to make calm, informed decisions before pressure builds. For brokers supporting an array of first-time buyer clients, this episode offers practical insight into improving outcomes, reducing stress and making the home buying process clearer from start to finish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →How can we speed up the house buying process?
Feb 2600:22:56Tap to summarizeThe home buying process remains slow and uncertain for all too many. On average, it now takes around 120 days to complete a property purchase in the UK, a sharp rise since 2007, and around one in three deals still falls through. The cost of failed property transactions runs into billions each year and creates stress for buyers, sellers and mortgage intermediaries alike. In this episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, host Phil Spencer is joined by Justin Young, CEO of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and Claire Beardmore, Director of L&G Mortgage Club, to look at why the home buying process takes so long and what could help improve outcomes across the market. The discussion looks at how poor timing and late checks add delay, why repeating property surveys and searches wastes time and money, and how doing more work upfront could allow steps to run side by side rather than one after the other. They also explore what England can learn from Scotland’s home report system, as well as other countries with shorter timelines and far fewer fall-throughs, and why confidence in digitisation, reliable data and clear standards will be essential if change is to stick. With reform work under way and more focus on upfront information, the episode sets out why mortgage intermediaries have such a key role in getting buyers ready early and staying close to developments that could shape how homes are bought and sold in the years ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Mortgage Insider returns for 2026
Feb 2300:00:56Tap to summarizeWelcome to the award-winning Mortgage Insider - back for 2026. Property expert and TV presenter Phil Spencer MBE will once again guide you through the trials and tribulations of the housing world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Regulation, AI and uncertainty – the issues brokers can’t ignore
Dec 900:21:37Tap to summarizeFor mortgage intermediaries, few periods have felt as complex or fast-moving as they are today. Keeping track of regulations, understanding the impact of AI, and managing rising client uncertainty in the current political climate are among the biggest challenges shaping the advice process. In this episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Stephanie Charman, CEO of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI). Together, they discuss how the trade body provides clear, practical guidance to more than 80% of the UK’s intermediary community, helping them navigate an ever-evolving environment. The discussion examines how technology is reshaping advice and asks the critical question - can technology keep up with regulations? Steph also highlights the ongoing importance of protection and the need to close the protection gap, while sharing how AMI’s ‘Working in Mortgages’ initiative is helping attract and retain new, diverse talent across the industry. It’s a candid, forward-looking conversation about how intermediaries can remain resilient, informed and compliant, while continuing to provide trusted, personal advice in an increasingly digital world. This episode was recorded on 13th October 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →The 2026 outlook every broker needs to know
Nov 2500:29:06Tap to summarizeForecasting into 2026 is already being shaped by lingering economic uncertainty, shifting consumer trends and tighter consumer spending. With the labour market slowing, the unemployment rate edging up and the impact of AI changing early-career roles, these pressures are influencing confidence, demand and how homebuyers and homeowners plan their next steps. This special episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, recorded live at Barclays HQ in London, brings host Phil Spencer together with Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor at the Financial Times, Richard Donnell, Executive Director for Research at Zoopla, and Lee Hopley, Director of Economic Insight and Research at UK Finance, to explore these themes and much more. They tackle inflation, rising household bills and tax changes, and why younger households feel less certain about pay and job security. The discussion also looks at the growing role of the Bank of Mum and Dad, regional contrasts, changes in buy-to-let, the move towards more structured portfolios, the value of protection and the expected spike in remortgage activity over the next year. With buyers and homeowners facing increased financial pressure, the panel set out why the advice process matters more than ever and offer the insight brokers need to support a wide range of client needs as we head into 2026. This episode was recorded live at Barclays HQ in Canary Wharf on 18 November, one week before the Autumn Budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →How can brokers identify and stop mortgage fraud?
Oct 1400:24:40Tap to summarize2024 saw a record number of fraud cases filed with the National Fraud Database. While mortgage fraud still represents a small proportion of overall UK fraud, there is a reported 5% increase in the number of mortgage fraud cases involving false application. In the latest instalment of the Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Mike Haley, CEO of CIFAS, and Nicola Mawby, Financial Crime Manager at Mortgage Advice Bureau. Together, they examine the different types of mortgage fraud, including application fraud, manipulated income, identity misuse, money laundering and scheme abuse. The discussion goes beyond definitions to ask the crucial question: why do people commit fraud in the first place? The discussion also considers who bears responsibility in mortgage fraud cases and the long-term impact of CIFAS markers for those found guilty of deception. With technology and AI enabling more sophisticated false documentation, and affordability pressures prompting opportunistic behaviour, the conversation reinforces why brokers are the first line of defence. This episode delivers practical insights, expert guidance and real-world examples to help advisers protect their clients, their businesses and the wider market from the damaging effects of fraud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →New build in focus
Sep 1000:19:30Tap to summarizeFigures from the National House-Building Council saw Q1 2025 register a 36% increase in new homes built across the UK compared with the same period last year, representing a striking development for the first-time buyer market. But with the higher cost of building, ongoing planning challenges and new and changing regulations, how sustainable is this growth? And what does it mean for brokers? In this episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Jenny Anson, Head of Sales at Pocket Living, and Ed McCoy, Group Sales Director at Persimmon Homes, to answer these questions. In addition, the conversation shines a light on the opportunities and pressures in the affordable housing sector, from innovative schemes that serve as an alternative to shared ownership, to specialist mortgages that support discounted purchase models. They also explore how larger housebuilders are adapting to regulatory change and why the intermediary mortgage market plays such a vital role in helping clients navigate new build purchases. Tune in for a frank discussion on supply, demand and affordability - and learn what intermediaries need to know about advising in an ever-evolving new build market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Does the North-South divide still exist in the UK housing market?
Aug 1200:23:47Tap to summarizeWhat do the most expensive parts of the country reveal about shifting demand? And why is the Manchester housing market now outperforming many southern counterparts? In this episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast, host Phil Spencer is joined by Lucian Cook, Head of Research at Savills, and Ross Jones, founder of Home Financial and Evolve Commercial Finance, to explore how regional trends are redefining the UK housing, mortgage and buy-to-let markets. They take a closer look at London house prices and the ripple effect they’re creating across commuter zones. The conversation also turns to the Scotland housing market, which is showing late-cycle strength in key urban centres, and the Wales housing market, where contrasting conditions range from second-home hotspots to areas still grappling with post-industrial decline. They also unpack what the increased professionalisation of buy-to-let means for brokers, and how factors like yield, transport connectivity and tenant demographics are shaping smarter investment strategies. This episode is packed with insights on how shifting geography, affordability and yield are influencing buyer behaviour and why local knowledge is fast becoming a broker’s greatest asset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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