Mortgage Insider

The 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.

A recent report from Barclays revealed that right-sizing – when homeowners move to a more suitably sized property – could potentially free up 3.8 million homes and tackle the issue of 10 million unused bedrooms across the UK. By supporting last-time buyers to make the move and release equity, this shift could help in unlocking the housing market and creating greater levels of movement across the entire housing chain. In this episode of the Mortgage Insider podcast, host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Sian McIntyre, Head of Acquisition & Engagement at Barclays UK Life Moments, and Jo Pocklington, Managing Director at Purplebricks Mortgages to evaluate this complex conversation. Together, they explore what right-sizing really means, what’s stopping people from making the move, and why brokers should care – even when the customer may not need a mortgage. They also discuss the needs of last-time buyers, the benefits of releasing equity, and how developers, policymakers and families can all play a part in removing the practical and emotional barriers to moving. Tune in for insights on later-life housing, stock shortages, affordability, and what needs to happen to get the market moving, from the top of the chain down. Barclays’ Group Policy Development team creates public policy thought leadership content on behalf of Barclays. Our work draws on the bank’s expertise, data and insights, and is intended to inform the design and application of public policy solutions in response to pressing economic and societal challenges. Barclays' report on Right-sizing can be found here: https://home.barclays/content/dam/home-barclays/documents/news/Insights/Right-sizing-Revolution-Unlocking-Untapped-Capacity-in-the-Housing-Market-Report.pdfSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 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.

The 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.

Allyship is a vital component in advancing diversity and inclusion efforts, as it involves using our privilege to support underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those within the neurodiversity spectrum. By actively participating in DEI initiatives and mentoring, allies help normalise conversations around representation while providing guidance and opportunities for marginalised communities. Creating a more equitable world where everyone can thrive through allyship is at the heart of the latest episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast. This sees host and property expert Phil Spencer joined by Sidney Wager, head of intermediary market development at Barclays, and Aleka Gutzmore, award-winning financial adviser and educator, to discuss how allyship can be defined, perceived and implemented. As well as covering topics such as the upcoming Barclays Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit and Awards, reverse mentoring and what actions brokers can be taking, the trio outline the importance of curiosity, empowerment, unconscious bias and being active rather than passive. This makes for an informative, challenging and important discussion on an often underrepresented area of the DEI conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During a cost of living crisis, the additional expense of life insurance, critical illness, income protection and even protecting a mortgage may seem like an unnecessary burden for homeowners. However, this protection is arguably more crucial than ever. According to ONS figures, 2.5 million people in the UK are unable to work due to long-term illness, and Cancer Research data indicates that half of us will develop some form of cancer in our lifetime. So, how can mortgage intermediaries help their clients prepare for worst-case scenarios without coming across as if they're making a sales pitch? Host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Barry Kellegher, performance manager at Legal & General, to discuss these three pillars of protection—life insurance, critical illness, and income protection. They explore how these protections differ, how individuals can better safeguard themselves, their loved ones, and their mortgages, and highlight just how tough these conversations can be. Barry also shares his personal experience of suffering a sudden brain haemorrhage despite being fit and healthy. He explains what brokers can learn from his experience and how they can build deeper client relationships by offering tailored advice on these sensitive topics. All of which proves to be an emotional, insightful and thought-provoking listen. This episode was recorded on the 22nd of November.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, what are green mortgages? Green mortgages come in many different forms, but all aim to incentivise buyers in the purchase of energy efficient homes or make energy-related improvements. Through increased innovation and rising environmental awareness, green mortgage products are being launched at an ever-increasing rate to incorporate important factors such as decarbonisation, EPC ratings and retrofitting. With this in mind, the latest episode of the award-winning Barclays Mortgage Insider Podcast sees host and property expert Phil Spencer joined by Kieran Campbell, head of sustainability & customer experience at London and Country and Rachael Hunnisett, associate director for built environment at the Green Finance Institute to help break down exactly how green mortgages work, who can get one, how they are financed and what brokers need to know about them. The discussion also explores the history of the sector, how brokers can help stimulate demand, the nuances connected with green finance, the state of the current green mortgage market and what the future might look like. In short, the green mortgage is here to stay and it should be heralded as a good thing. And, as a rapidly evolving area of the mortgage market, it’s imperative for brokers to stay informed about its potential benefits. We hope this episode helps arm you with the information required to provide your clients with valued insights into this fascinating sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.