
The Decline of Directly Authorised Mortgage Advisers: A Cause for Concern?
The landscape for directly authorised (DA) mortgage advisers in the UK has seen a significant shift over the past four years, with an alarming drop in numbers that property owners and investors should carefully consider. A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) by industry expert Paul Day reveals that the number of applications for firms seeking DA status to operate in the mortgage sector has seen a steep decline.
Analyzing the Drop: Data Insights and Trends
The data serves as a stark reflection of these trends. In 2020, there were 442 approved applications for DA status in mortgage and home finance, but this figure plummeted to just 132 by 2024. Furthermore, the total number of accredited intermediaries advising on mortgages has also decreased steeply, falling from 36,836 in 2023 to 35,263 in 2024. This decline signals a potential chronic issue in a crucial segment of the property advisory market.
What’s Fueling the Decline? Understanding the Causes
Day attributes this drop to various factors, prominently the introduction of Consumer Duty regulations, which have redefined the compliance landscape for mortgage firms, coupled with an increasingly burdensome application process for DA status. These regulations aim to enhance consumer protection but may unintentionally deter new firms from entering the market or compel existing firms to reconsider their authorisation strategy.
Implications for Property Owners and Investors
For property owners and investors, these developments could signal a more significant challenge in accessing mortgage advice. A dwindling pool of directly authorised advisers may result in fewer options when seeking guidance on property transactions or mortgage products. It raises the question of whether changes in the industry's regulatory environment will lead to a less competitive mortgage brokerage industry, potentially affecting investment opportunities and property financing.
Future Outlook: Navigating an Evolving Landscape
As the FCA plans to release more granular data in August 2025, stakeholders across the property market—particularly investors—should remain vigilant. Understanding the implications of these regulatory shifts will be key for navigating the complexities ahead and making informed decisions in a potentially constrained advisory market.
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