Brokers have a crucial role to play in helping more than nine in 10 (93%) homeowners understand the impact of government policy and economic changes on their finances, Santander reveals.

The upcoming Budget on 28 October will be the first budget delivered under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. While the new Your First Home equity loan scheme has been unveiled, the details of this and any further announcements will only be revealed in the budget.

Santander’s research found that 38% of homeowners would most like to see the budget introduce incentives for lenders to offer lower mortgage pay rates.

This is followed by 34% who would like to see a reduction in stamp duty costs, 34% who said expanding affordable homeownership schemes/support schemes for first-time buyers and 27% of respondents would like an increase in housing supply through new homebuilding.

When asked what role or communication homeowners would value from their broker, Santander’s Broker Perceptions Barometer found that almost half (45%) would want a clear explanation of what any changes mean for them.

Four in 10 (39%) said they would want support understanding affordability and new borrowing options, while a similar number would want guidance on the best time to apply for a mortgage (36%).

Around three in 10 homeowners said (29%) would want to receive this information in a short email summary, although a similar number would value a more personal one-to-one consultation either by phone or face-to-face (27%).

A whatsapp/text message (13%) or a short social media video (12%) was preferred by around one in 10.

Meanwhile, research found nearly nine in 10 homeowners (88%), who have used or spoken to a broker in the last 12 months say they felt more secure about the process of buying or remortgaging as a result.

A similar number (85%) said they would use a broker again if they were to purchase a new property or change mortgage provider.

Santander head of mortgages Ben Merritt says: “The only thing that’s felt constant in 2026 is change. Mortgage pricing has continued to evolve and that can leave customers wondering when, or whether, to make their move.”

“Our Broker Perception Barometer has found that brokers are at the heart of helping people navigate that uncertainty, providing expert guidance when it’s needed most. Whatever changes the budget brings, their role in supporting customers to make confident mortgage decisions will remain critical.”