Remortgage searches surge 7% while first-time buyer and BTL searches ease

Twenty7tec’s latest Mortgage Market Snapshot recorded 1,790,196 mortgage searches during July 2026, up 1% on June and broadly unchanged from the same month last year.

Rather than signalling a significant rise or fall in demand, Twenty7tec said the figures point to a market where different borrower groups are moving at noticeably different speeds.

The clearest momentum came from remortgaging. Residential remortgage searches increased by 7% month-on-month and 5% year-on-year, reaching 700,628.

The purchase market remains more cautious. Residential purchase searches in July were 3% lower than in June, and first-time buyer searches fell 4% during the month.

However, first-time buyer activity remained slightly ahead of July 2025, suggesting demand has not disappeared even as affordability continues to influence when and how buyers enter the market.

BTL search volumes remain slightly below last year, reflecting a landlord market that continues to assess borrowing costs, taxation, regulation and the longer-term case for property investment.

Nakita Moss, head of lender at Twenty7tec (pictured above), said: “July’s data suggests the mortgage market remains on a steady footing. Total search activity edged up by 1% compared with June and remained broadly in line with the same month last year, showing advisers and borrowers continue to engage despite ongoing economic uncertainty.

“Remortgaging was the standout story this month, with searches up 7% month-on-month and 5% year-on-year.

“As more borrowers reach the end of existing fixed-rate deals and lender competition remains strong, advisers have an important role to play in helping clients navigate an increasingly competitive market.”

Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor arrangements remained the most searched lending criteria during July, alongside visa applicants, foreign nationals and borrowers with previous credit issues.