A second lockdown is the most likely event to affect the mortgage market, according to a survey carried out by MCI Club – a belief shared by over twice as many as those who opted for Brexit.

Of over 260 respondents, which included principals, advisers and administrators, 73 per cent named a second lockdown, while 35 per cent opted for Brexit.

Other factors named that are likely to impact the industry in a significant also included stricter lender criteria, at 68 per cent, mass unemployment, at 67 per cent, and a recession, at 63 per cent.

Furthermore, 62 per cent of those asked have concerns over the impact of various support schemes implemented by the government, such as payment holidays, the furlough scheme and business loans.

One thing made clear by the survey is that very few people in the industry see a static environment – just 3 per cent said there would be no change over the next 12 months.

MCI Club head Melanie Spencer says: “Understandably, as restrictions are eased over the country, everyone serving the market will rightly consider a second lockdown to be a disastrous event, especially as the market is beginning to gain momentum again.

“With the Stamp Duty cut until next year, the conditions are right for a sustainable bounce-back. Of course, it is surprising that Brexit didn’t rank as highly, or more specifically, an appropriate trade agreement by the end of the year. It could be that we’re on course for more economic disruption, just of a different kind.”