Insights

Buy-to-let lending has shown notable resilience over the past year, even against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and regulatory change. Within that, specialist buy-to-let has emerged as one of the most important areas of momentum. What was once viewed as a niche is now firmly part of the mainstream, and its pace of evolution is accelerating.

Last month, we welcomed customers and Escode, part of NCC Group, to the Finova HQ for our stressed exit simulation workshop. The session gave firms the chance to test how they would respond if a critical technology supplier suddenly failed, using a realistic and time-pressured scenario involving the immediate wind-down of a major provider.

The specialist buy-to-let market is changing shape. What was once dominated by small-scale landlords with relatively simple requirements is increasingly being driven by professional investors managing more complex portfolios. Limited company structures, portfolio lending and specialist property types are now firmly part of the mainstream.

The private rental sector is moving through one of its most significant periods of change in recent years. With the Renter’s Rights Bill becoming law, landlords are facing new expectations around tenant security, property standards, and compliance. These aren’t minor adjustments, and the ripple effects will be felt across the mortgage market too.

In this edition of in the spotlight, we’re shining a light on Dan Broadhurst, Commercial Director, and the experience he brings from across banking and fintech. From building trusted lender partnerships to navigating a fast-changing market, Dan shares his perspective on what really matters and where he sees the biggest opportunities ahead.

Over the last twenty years, the mortgage market has experienced one of its most significant transformations. What was once a paper-heavy, manual process is now shaped by digital platforms, data-driven decisions, and evolving customer expectations.

Artificial Intelligence has moved well beyond the hype in financial services, but for many lenders, its full potential is still just out of reach. Behind the scenes, AI is already transforming how lenders work, from document checks and fraud detection to affordability assessments and portfolio monitoring.

The bridging market has always been fast-moving, designed to deliver short-term funding at pace. But as borrower expectations evolve and volumes rise – with completions forecast to hit £12.2 billion in 2025 – speed alone is no longer enough.

After a quieter summer, the mortgage market is back in motion. As we move through autumn, the long-anticipated remortgage wave is well underway, and it’s proving to be larger than many expected.