Flat market predicted for 2018. although Technology will play a big part. Have a great Christmas!

So, as I pen my last column of the year, I reflect on a year that has had many ups and also many downs.  We can’t ignore the current housing shortage or the severe lack of help to first time buyers, even allowing for the recent stamp duty changes.  On the upside, and despite the bank base rate increasing, there are still plenty of good rates to be had and we’ve seen a good number of new lenders launch.  All great news.

2018 is set to be another flat market, with overall mortgage volumes estimated to remain circa £250bn.  However, with the onset of technology and more specialist requirements, the mix of the market is set to change, and many lenders will fall short of their targets, unless they evolve with the digital era.  It really is a case of watch this space as some lenders may just get left behind.

Those who will win will be the ones offering quality technology, but also the human touch for those who prefer or need it.  Sometimes, people just want to talk to people.

On a personal note, thank you for reading my column, it is appreciated. Mortgages can be a dull subject and I’ve tried to provide an unbiased insight to what happens in the mortgage world (and tried to keep it upbeat!).  However, I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks without a production deadline to meet!

Thank you to everyone who has instructed AToM to source and arrange their mortgage during the past twelve months. It has been a fantastic year and we have enjoyed substantial growth in volume, completions and headcount in the AToM team located between our two Horsham offices.  They are a truly awesome and knowledgeable group of people.

We were honoured to be nominated in a number of awards this year and win three major accolades including Best Bridging & Commercial Broker at the Mortgage Strategy awards, Best Use of Technology in the National Mortgage Adviser awards and most recent, Best HMO Distributor from Precise Mortgages.  Thank you to everyone who voted for us!

On behalf of all the staff and directors at AToM, we wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and a Relaxing and Prosperous New Year!  Bring on 2018!