Forecasting 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.

Forecasting 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.

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 moreabout 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.

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.

Mortgage Insider

The award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast - brought to you by Barclays Bank – is back and it’s even bigger and better than ever. Hosted by renowned TV presenter and property expert Phil Spencer, Series 4 takes you beyond the headlines to explore the challenges, changes and opportunities on offer across the UK housing and mortgage markets.

In the latest series, Phil grills leading industry experts from the world of financial services on topics such as business development, the performance and potential of the housing market, the evolving role of the mortgage broker and the outlook for the UK economy.

You can’t afford to miss it.

The award-winning Mortgage Insider Podcast - brought to you by Barclays Bank – is back and it’s even bigger and better than ever. Hosted by renowned TV presenter and property expert Phil Spencer, Series 4 takes you beyond the headlines to explore the challenges, changes and opportunities on offer across the UK housing and mortgage markets. In the latest series, Phil grills leading industry experts from the world of financial services on topics such as business development, the performance and potential of the housing market, the evolving role of the mortgage broker and the outlook for the UK economy.
You can’t afford to miss it.

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