As 2025 drew to a close, mortgage brokers across Australia, Ireland, and beyond found themselves at the heart of a rapidly evolving housing finance landscape. Falling interest rates, surging broker market share, and a wave of technological innovation have combined to reshape the industry, with both challenges and opportunities on the horizon for 2026. Yet, beneath the headlines of record growth and digital transformation, the pressures of regulatory scrutiny, shifting consumer behavior, and fierce competition from banks and fintechs are also intensifying.
According to Mortgage Professional Australia, the final quarter of 2025 was among the most unpredictable in recent memory for Australian brokers. The sector was buffeted by “shock lending decisions” from major banks, sudden policy shifts—particularly around company and trust lending—and a stepped-up focus from regulators on higher-risk and private credit. At the same time, brokers celebrated a record share in home-loan origination, even as banks like ANZ doubled down on their proprietary lending channels. These moves were seen as part of a broader battle for the future of mortgage distribution, with banks investing heavily in direct-to-bank offerings while brokers argued their channel remained vital for competition and consumer choice, especially for complex borrowers.
“The battleground is changing,” reported MPA, highlighting the persistent friction between lenders and brokers over issues like clawbacks—where lenders reclaim broker commissions after early loan repayment—and “channel conflict,” where banks prioritize their own distribution over third-party brokers. Despite these headwinds, industry media portrayed 2025 as a banner year for broker performance, not just in home lending but also in commercial finance.
Technology is increasingly at the center of this transformation. Broker Daily revealed that its most popular podcasts of the year revolved around falling rates, record broker market share, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in broking workflows. Episodes debated whether brokers could remain relevant as AI tools become more sophisticated, a question that’s moved from fintech circles into mainstream mortgage planning. Lenders’ technology strategies, particularly around automation and digital customer experiences, are now a key focus for both brokers and borrowers.
Looking ahead, post-election housing policy looms as a major uncertainty for 2026 in Australia. As Broker Daily noted, government decisions on demand, affordability, and lending settings could quickly alter the competitive landscape, making adaptability crucial for brokers and lenders alike.
The story is much the same in Ireland, where the role of mortgage brokers has undergone a dramatic shift. By the end of 2025, 60% of mortgage switching was conducted through brokers, up from 40% in 2020, according to the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI). The value of mortgages originated via brokers soared to approximately €6 billion in the last 12 months, compared to just €2.48 billion in 2019. Broker market share in Ireland rose steadily from 27% in 2019 to 47% by the end of 2025, underscoring what many see as a structural change in how Irish consumers approach home finance.
Martina Hennessy, chief executive of mortgage platform Doddl.ie, told The Irish Times that this shift is being driven by digitally savvy borrowers who increasingly seek out choice and value. “The broker channel is well placed to deliver that through market-based advice rather than a single-product offering,” Hennessy explained. She noted that for many younger borrowers, the traditional relationship with a retail bank is fading, replaced by digital-first interactions and a preference for impartial advice.
Non-bank lenders, including recent entrants like Nua Money and MoCo, are relying exclusively on brokers to reach customers. These lenders are particularly adept at serving borrower profiles that traditional banks often struggle to accommodate, such as the self-employed or those with multiple income streams. For them, brokers aren’t just another channel—they are the channel.
Recent findings from a KPMG survey commissioned by Doddl.ie further illuminate the changing landscape. The survey found that Dublin-based borrowers are the most likely to switch mortgage providers, while those in Connacht and Ulster are less inclined. Younger borrowers, aged 18 to 34, and those with mortgage balances over €300,000 are much more likely to switch, reflecting a generational and financial divide in the market. Hennessy reported a staggering 138% increase in the value of mortgage switching in 2025 at Doddl.ie, with most activity concentrated among urban residents holding larger mortgage balances.
Despite these advances, consumer frustrations remain. Lengthy approval times, confusing paperwork, and the complexities of the conveyancing process continue to dog the industry, though digital entrants have made significant strides in reducing friction. “Digital entrants have reduced friction by introducing digital processes around documentation. Open Banking facilitates faster decisions and a digital closing process is aiding the flow of documentation and information between bank and solicitor,” Hennessy said. Approval decisions are now made in days rather than weeks, offering a glimpse of the future for a sector long plagued by bureaucracy.
Yet, for all the progress, Ireland’s mortgage switching activity remains relatively low, with less than 6,000 switcher transactions expected in 2025. The gap between the highest and lowest mortgage rates has widened, and annual savings from switching have jumped by €3,570 compared to 2020. With fintechs like Revolut set to enter the mortgage market in 2026, the pace of change is only expected to accelerate. “An active switcher market creates rate discipline and attracts new entrants, which is critical for competition,” Hennessy said. “With broker-only lenders and growing consumer demand for choice, the direction of travel is clear. The broker channel will continue to expand into 2026 and beyond.”
Across the Atlantic, industry leaders are echoing similar themes. In a conversation with HousingWire, Greg Meola, Managing Director of Wholesale at Acra Lending, outlined the keys to broker success in 2026 and beyond. “The good news is there’s a lot of key indicators that point towards tailwinds in being a broker this year,” Meola observed, while cautioning that long-term success requires more than just favorable conditions. “What’s really shaped my view of success is resiliency. If you’re going to be in the broker game long term, you’ve got to be resilient.”
Meola emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making, disciplined follow-up, and strong lending partnerships. He highlighted technology investment—especially in mortgage-specific CRMs and application tools—as critical for stabilizing operations and managing customer relationships. “We are in a data and technology age. Investing in yourself and with lenders that are doing the same thing, that’s really what’s going to help stabilize your operations,” he said.
Retention strategies, including personalized borrower outreach and proactive alerts on rates or loan opportunities, are essential for building long-term client relationships. Meola likened the broker’s role to that of a general contractor, encouraging brokers to view product expansion, such as non-QM loans, as “extra tools in the toolbox.” He urged brokers to continually evaluate both their own and their lending partners’ technology stacks, asking pointed questions about how these investments improve workflows and the borrower experience.
With market conditions expected to remain favorable and new technologies on the rise, Meola sees significant opportunity for brokers who are prepared to act intentionally and strategically. “Anytime you’ve got a tailwind, you want to grab as much market share as you can,” he said.
As 2026 dawns, the mortgage broking sector stands at a crossroads: propelled by digital innovation, shifting consumer expectations, and competitive tailwinds, but challenged by regulatory oversight and the relentless pace of change. For those willing to adapt, the opportunities appear as vast as the obstacles are daunting.
