2025 was certainly a year that kept everyone on their toes. Competition stayed fierce as many borrowers paused, waiting for a clearer sense of where the economy was heading after the Budget.
The good news is the market is starting to feel like it’s moving with a little more intent as we head into 2026.
Across mortgages, bridging and development finance, the themes are familiar but still encouraging – continued growth and healthier competition, as lenders show a stronger appetite to lend as stability improves.
Here’s how Masthaven Finance sees the year ahead shaping up.
Specialist Mortgages: more flexibility, smarter assessment
For Shelley Stern, Director of Mortgages at Masthaven Finance, 2026 is shaping up to be another busy year for specialist mortgages, and that’s no bad thing.
Growth and competition across the market are expected to continue, which is already driving more flexible approaches from lenders.
“We’re seeing a more pragmatic approach to valuations and a much better understanding of complex and self-employed income,” says Shelley. “Competition is encouraging flexibility, but it’s still important that cases are structured properly from the outset.”
As competition increases, lenders are working harder to say “yes,” but Shelley notes that strong fundamentals still matter. Clear documentation and robust checks remain essential, particularly as volumes increase.
One area Shelley feels brokers shouldn’t lose sight of is financial crime and anti-fraud measures. As processes become faster and more automated, vigilance and good information upfront remain just as important.
“Speed is important, but it can’t come at the expense of good controls,” Shelley adds. “Clear documentation and strong checks protect brokers, lenders and clients alike.”
What’s coming from the mortgages team in 2026
Looking ahead, Masthaven’s Mortgages team is focused on strengthening both product capability and service delivery.
The emphasis is on refining systems, improving efficiency and continuing to invest in people, all to make it easier for brokers to do business and deliver a more consistent experience as the market evolves.
Bridging Finance: confidence returning, exits still king
Claire Newman, Director of Bridging and Development Finance, also sees a positive outlook for 2026, particularly as borrower demand remains strong and lender confidence continues to improve.
As competition intensifies, brokers can expect sharper rates and greater flexibility across the bridging market. But Claire is clear that some fundamentals never go out of fashion.
“Competition is bringing sharper pricing and broader criteria,” says Claire. “But exit planning still underpins everything. Flexibility only works when there’s a clear route out.”
Exit routes remain critical and not just one exit, but credible back-up plans too. Whether it’s refinancing, sale delays or unexpected changes to timelines, having options in place from day one can make all the difference when things don’t run exactly to plan.
“We always encourage brokers to think about back-up exits early,” Claire adds. “It’s what keeps deals moving when timelines shift, or market conditions change.”
What’s coming from the Bridging team in 2026
The focus is on continuing to refine the product proposition and the way cases are delivered. That includes reviewing products and processes, strengthening systems and investing in the team to support increased demand.
Development Finance: growth, but with eyes wide open
Competition is expected to drive more attractive pricing and flexibility, but EJ stresses that development finance still rewards realism.
“Development finance always comes back to the numbers stacking up,” says EJ. “Flexibility is welcome, but it has to be built on realistic costs, values and timelines.”
Exit planning, sensible contingencies and allowances for cost overruns or delayed sales remain essential. Flexibility works best when it’s built on robust assumptions rather than optimism alone.
“Allowing for contingencies isn’t being pessimistic, it’s being responsible,” EJ adds. “That’s what protects projects when things don’t go exactly to plan.”
For Emmanuel Johnson, Head of Development Finance, the outlook mirrors much of the bridging market: continued growth, increased borrower demand, and greater confidence from lenders as conditions stabilise.
What’s coming from the development finance team in 2026
Looking ahead, brokers can expect ongoing investment in processes and people, with a massive focus on maintaining strong service levels.
One common theme: preparation pays off
While mortgages, bridging and development finance each come with their own challenges, the message across all three is consistent: 2026 looks positive, but preparation and continued investment in people and processes will make the greatest difference.
For Masthaven, the priority remains the same: work closely with brokers, be clear about what works (and what doesn’t), and keep evolving to ensure we keep supporting your clients into 2026 and beyond.
