Lender delays and deal-finding ranked as top pressure points, with younger borrowers disproportionately affected
Nearly nine in 10 UK borrowers experienced stress during their most recent mortgage application, according to new research from broker firm Boon Brokers, which surveyed 1,000 recent borrowers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The study, conducted in partnership with TLF Research, found that 88% of respondents described their mortgage application as stressful, with 45% rating it as either very or extremely stressful. Only 12% reported no stress at all.
Waiting for lender approval was identified as the most stressful stage of the process, cited by 29% of respondents. Finding the best mortgage deal followed at 28%, with survey and valuation issues (23%), proving income (21%) and unexpected document requests (17%) also among the leading causes of pressure.
Most stressful parts of the mortgage application
Percentage of borrowers (%)
Source: Boon Brokers (2026)
Age emerged as a significant factor in stress levels. Among borrowers aged 18 to 24, 59% described the process as very or extremely stressful — more than twice the proportion recorded among those aged 55 to 64, where the figure stood at 29%. Just 3% of the youngest cohort reported no stress, compared with 23% of those in the older group.
The data indicated a consistent decline in stress levels as borrower age increased, pointing to the greater familiarity and financial experience that tends to accompany repeat applications.
When asked which party caused them the most stress, 44% of respondents named their mortgage lender. Surveyors were cited by 25% of borrowers, while mortgage brokers were identified by 23%. Only 7% said no single party was responsible.
Party causing the most mortgage application stress
Percentage of borrowers (%)
Source: Boon Brokers (2026)
The broker figure was described in the report as particularly notable, given that several of the most common stress points, including product selection, income verification and document management, fall within the typical scope of broker support.
Survey and valuation issues showed the most pronounced regional variation. South East England recorded the highest proportion of borrowers citing this as a source of stress at 28%, followed by South West England at 25% and Northern England at 22%. At the other end of the scale, only 6% of respondents in Northern Ireland and 11% in Wales identified survey and valuation concerns as a major stress factor.
At city level, London recorded the highest figure at 29%, ahead of Leeds (28%), Sheffield (27%) and Manchester and Norwich (both 26%). Cardiff, Glasgow and Belfast recorded the lowest figures at 18%, 16% and 6% respectively. The research did not identify specific reasons for the regional divergence, though differences in local property values and the potential financial consequences of valuation outcomes were noted as possible contributing factors.
Gerard Boon (pictured right), managing director at Boon Brokers, noted that the findings point to structural issues in how borrowers are guided through the process.
"The research shows that borrowers aren't experiencing stress at just one stage of the mortgage application, but throughout the process," he said.
"From an industry perspective, this tells us that there is still a clear opportunity for brokers and lenders to improve communication, help manage expectations and make the mortgage journey more straightforward."
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