Commercial mortgage brokers optimistic

Some 67% stated that they feel confident about the lending environment in 2020.

Commercial mortgage brokers optimistic

Despite the current political climate commercial mortgage brokers remain optimistic about the year ahead, Shawbrook Bank’s Broker Barometer has revealed.

With aresilientoutlook, 67% stated that they feel confident about the lending environment in 2020.

Over half (53%) of brokers stated they feel confident about business growth in 2020.

Emma Cox, sales director for Commercial Mortgages, said: “Despite the broker community showing some concern around the impact of Brexit as the deadline draws near, their confidence in business and the commercial property market for 2020 is still high.

“As stated in ourUK Commercial Property Market Report,there is still opportunity for experienced investors to grow and diversify their portfolios, providing they do their homework and seek appropriate advice.

“The barometer results have further highlighted this trend with a number of commercial mortgage brokers citing a large increase in the number of investors diversifying into the market.

“Clearly the impact of Brexit is unpredictable outside of the standard uncertainty commentary, but there is still opportunity to grow, as the barometer results show, with many brokers reporting an increase in business volumes.

“However, it’s important to remember that not every commercial property investment will automatically generate great returns, and that doing your homework on potential investments is hugely important.

“As we have always stated, longevity and sustainability of market are key, and investors who work with experts across the lender and broker spectrum will be best placed to take advantage of future value that presents itself.”

Over a quarter (25%) of brokers have seen no change in business volumes in 2019, with the same number (25%) citing a 10% increase in business volumes compared to 2018.

Some brokers (22%) reported a 20% rise in business volumes.

The top three challenges commercial mortgage brokers expect their businesses to face in 2020 are reportedly the impact of Brexit (58%), valuation issues (53%) and lending restrictions (36%).

In addition, more than one in five (62%) of brokers have seen investors diversifying into the commercial property market.