Nadine Edwards, Head of Intermediary Distribution, NatWest
As 2026 gathers pace, mortgage brokers are navigating a market defined by global change. Customer needs are evolving and affordability conversations are more nuanced. In this environment, lenders that simply provide products are no longer enough. Brokers need partners who help them take action so their customers reach their homeowner goals sooner.
At NatWest, that belief underpins everything we do. Our focus is not only on evolving our mortgage proposition but on making the entire journey simpler, faster and more supportive.
Learning from a year of progress
One of the clearest lessons from last year has been how differently customers are approaching homeownership. Traditional routes to the property ladder are changing, and flexibility has become essential.
That insight drove the launch of the NatWest Family-Backed Mortgage, a joint-borrower/sole-proprietor mortgage. This allows customers to add a second person to the mortgage but without them owning the property. As a ‘non-owner’, a parent, sibling, friend or someone in their wider family network could help customers borrow more than they would have otherwise, enabling more people to get on the housing ladder. There are eligibility and exclusions that apply to this mortgage.
Being ‘more than a mortgage’ means removing friction where possible
Remortgages and product transfers continue to be a focus in 2026, with a large number of product maturities rolling off this year and NatWest offering a big range of remortgage options.
In addition, buy-to-let remains a priority. Through partnerships like Landbay, we’ve continued to support more complex landlord cases, recognising that brokers need depth of expertise as well as breadth of product.
Improving accessibility
This year, NatWest has introduced a series of enhancements to affordability.
We’ve changed our loans-to-income (LTIs) to provide greater consistency and enable some customers to borrow more. We’ve aligned them across repayment types, enabling capital and interest/interest-only customers to increase their borrowing potential. We’ve also enhanced our maximum LTIs; for example, joint customers with a combined income of £150,000-plus will be eligible for up to 6.5 times LTI at 75% LTV and below.
Traditional routes to the property ladder are changing, and flexibility has become essential
In addition, our LTIs now vary on whether an application is taken in sole or joint names, and we’ve introduced additional income bands to provide a more strategic lending approach as incomes increase. These criteria improvements are part of a wider commitment to listening to brokers, understanding how the market is shifting, and responding in a practical, actionable way.
Making taking action easier
Being ‘more than a mortgage’ means removing friction where possible. It’s about making it easier for brokers to take action — from initial enquiry through to completion.
That starts with streamlined processes. Reduced case packaging, fewer document requirements and continuous improvements to the broker portal and case tracking are all aimed at helping applications move faster. Greater transparency, including published service levels on our website, means brokers know what to expect and can set clearer expectations with customers.
We’re committed to sharing knowledge that helps brokers stay ahead of change
Digital-first innovation also plays a key role. We’re excited to deliver new services to brokers, such as being the first lender to provide WhatsApp for brokers, so they can get the support they need on the go.
Fast answers, when they matter
In a market where timing can make or break a case, access to support is critical. That’s why we’ve invested in our business development and support structure.
With over 100 UK-based business development managers (BDMs) providing pre- and post-application support, brokers can access expert help through the channel that works best for them — whether telephone, live chat via Cora, or WhatsApp for support on the go.
Alongside this, BDMs work closely with intermediary firms across the UK, offering local market insight, complex-case expertise and hands-on problem solving.
Keeping brokers one step ahead
Beyond products and processes, we’re committed to sharing knowledge that helps brokers stay ahead of change. Through webinars, market commentary and regular updates as well as our dedicated NatWest Intermediaries LinkedIn page, we provide practical updates and insight that support conversations with customers.
Mortgage brokers are navigating a market defined by global change
This focus on knowledge is part of a broader commitment to being a proactive, responsible partner — supporting sustainability, inclusion and long-term industry collaboration.
A partner for what’s next
NatWest is built around one simple idea: when we make things easier, brokers can move faster and customers can reach their homeownership goals sooner.
It’s more than a mortgage. It’s a partnership designed to help you take action.
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