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.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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.
Transcribe →Helping the credit challenged get mortgage ready
Jul 8, 202500:17:25Tap to summarizeA rising number of borrowers are finding it harder to access mortgages due to being credit challenged - whether that’s from historic debts, a county court judgment, or having little to no credit history. Research indicates that 14.8 million people in the UK have experienced adverse credit at some point, with 8.4 million affected in the past three years alone. For any mortgage broker, this growing segment of credit challenged borrowers represents not only a need for specialist support but also a significant opportunity to add real value. In the latest episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, Phil Spencer is joined by Eloise Hall, Head of National Accounts at Kensington Mortgages, and Alastair Douglas, CEO of TotallyMoney. Together, they unpack what it means to be credit challenged, the influence of the Buy Now Pay Later culture, how lenders are adapting, plus the lasting impact pandemic and the cost of living crisis. They explore the role of specialist lending, the value of personalised advice, and how brokers can play a vital role in helping credit challenged borrowers not only access responsible mortgage solutions but also work towards a path back to prime. With more people seeking debt advice and lenders introducing products tailored to meet complex credit needs, this episode dissects current market trends and offers practical insights into delivering better client outcomes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Inside the world of high net worth lending
Jun 10, 202500:23:22Tap to summarizeThe mortgage market continues to evolve, and so too does the answer to the question: what is a high net worth individual in today’s market? In this episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, host Phil Spencer is joined by Stephen Moroukian, Head of Product and Proposition for Real Estate Financing at Barclays Private Bank, and Islay Robinson, founder and CEO of Enness Global. Together, they explore what brokers really need to know when supporting high net worth individuals. The discussion covers the growing use of shorter term mortgages and interest only mortgages, often used to support wealth structuring or for managing cash flow across complex portfolios. In addition, they highlight how traditional affordability checks rarely reflect the financial realities of clients with multiple income streams, differing levels of liquidity, offshore assets, or business holdings. The conversation also shines a light on how specialist private banks take a more holistic view, considering everything from bonus income and capital events to future earnings and lifestyle goals. From client expectations to marketing strategies, this episode is packed with insights for brokers looking to elevate their proposition in the high net worth space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Is 2025 the year of the remortgage?
May 13, 202500:17:35Tap to summarizeAn estimated 1.8 million fixed rate mortgage deals are due to expire in 2025, 400,000 more than in 2024. This surge in remortgaging presents a critical opportunity for mortgage brokers to offer essential advice and financial support to homeowners across the UK, ensuring they transition smoothly to new deals amid stabilising interest rates and heightened affordability checks. In this episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast, host Phil Spencer is joined by Karina Hutchins, Principal, Mortgage Policy at UK Finance. Together, they explore the unique factors driving this spike in fixed-rate maturities, from the post-COVID stamp duty holiday surge to the volatile interest rate environment following the 2023 mini-budget. The conversation focuses on the importance of affordability checks, the distinction between product transfers and full remortgages, and the value of the advice process. Further insights are shared on how brokers can help borrowers avoid payment shock when transitioning from their existing fixed -ate mortgage and on the types of financial support available, including the Mortgage Charter and lender-led initiatives - solutions that many homeowners may be unaware of. This instalment also evaluates broader market trends, such as rising demand for longer-term fixed-rate mortgages and the evolving role of mortgage brokers as trusted strategic advisers. It’s an essential listen for those looking to strengthen client relationships, grow their business, and navigate the 2025 remortgaging wave with confidence. This episode was recorded on 11th March 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →
What brokers really need to know about Gen Z
Mar 18, 202500:18:54Tap to summarizeWho are Gen Z, and why are they rewriting the financial advice rulebook? In this episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by two industry thought leaders to explore how Gen Z navigates financial education through the digital world, their engagement with Finfluencers, and how brokers can use social media platforms to build trust and extend their reach to younger customers. Joining the conversation are Dr Erika Anderson, Research Associate at the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab, University of Glasgow, and Tayo Oguntonade, former financial adviser, broker, TV presenter, and founder of Bricks with Tips. Together, they examine the factors influencing Gen Z’s financial decisions, their approach to evaluating trustworthy advice, the role of social media in shaping their knowledge base, and how the intermediary market can adapt. Tune in to this insightful discussion to discover how brokers can adapt, connect, and thrive in the Gen Z era.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Climbing the property ladder – With or without the Bank of Mum & Dad
Feb 18, 202500:18:54Tap to summarizeFor many first-time buyers, the homeownership dream feels increasingly out of reach, with rising house prices and affordability challenges making it harder than ever to step onto the property ladder. As a result, gifted deposits from family - often referred to as the ‘Bank of Mum & Dad’ - have become a crucial source of support. But what about those who don’t have parental help? From high LTV mortgages to Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor arrangements and Shared Ownership, there are a range of available options. In this episode of the latest Mortgage Insider podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Simon Betteridge, CFO of Kensington and Barclays Mortgages, and Paula Higgins, founder and CEO of the Homeowners Alliance to explore the different types of mortgages designed to help first-time buyers for those with, and without this financial support, including solutions for freelance and self-employed borrowers. Within this discussion, the trio also assess the role of specialist mortgage brokers in guiding clients through these choices, ensuring they find the right path to homeownership and the key trends which are likely to shape the first-time buyer market in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Property trends and TV tales with Phil Spencer
Jan 21, 202500:18:50Tap to summarizeEver wondered how Phil met Kirsty or what he really thinks about the UK housing market? In this special episode of the Mortgage Insider Podcast, Phil Spencer takes the hot seat as Barclays Business Development Manager Claire MacPhail flips the script and puts him under the spotlight. Phil tackles your burning questions from across the intermediary market, covering topics such as tips for first-time buyers, current property trends, the state of the buy-to-let sector and the great north/south divide. He also shares his opinion on the best and worst home improvements, shifts in demand and homeownership aspirations, the impact of AI, and the value of the advice process. But that's not all, Phil reveals how he got into TV, reflects on his history with Kirsty Allsopp, and even settles the age-old debate: jam or cream first on a scone? Tune in for expert insights, candid moments, and a few laughs with one of the most relatable voices in property.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →The rise of The Mortgage Mum
Dec 10, 202400:20:16Tap to summarizeThe Mortgage Mum is a business that has achieved impressive growth by embracing open dialogue, fostering an inclusive culture, leveraging flexible working, and adopting an innovative social media approach. In this episode of the Mortgage Insider Podcast, Sarah Tucker, founder and CEO of The Mortgage Mum, joins host and property expert Phil Spencer to share her inspiring journey from competing on The Voice to leading a thriving team of nearly 30 female brokers. She candidly reveals the realities of managing a business with a family and addresses the unique challenges facing women in the mortgage industry. Sarah also discusses her passion for finance education, aiming to embed mortgage literacy in schools to create healthier relationships with money. As a leader, she emphasises the importance of listening and adapting her approach to empower each team member, reflecting on how the industry is evolving to support female brokers more effectively. Championing a “lift as you climb” philosophy, she advocates for elevating women in finance and breaking down barriers. Looking ahead, Sarah shares her vision for The Mortgage Mum in what proves to be a highly insightful, illuminating and inspiring conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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