Record smashed: over 80% of buyers turn to a broker for help

The mortgage broking industry has notched up an exciting record with the news that brokers now account for 81% of Australia’s residential lending market. Here’s why.

For some time now, mortgage brokers have been tantalisingly close to clearing the 80% market share benchmark, and we’ve finally smashed our own previous record.

We’re thrilled to announce that brokers facilitated a record high of 81% of new home loans in the first quarter of 2026. 

That’s up from 77% last year, and a big leap from 55% back in 2018.

Those are the findings of the industry body, the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia, which says brokers settled $124.88 billion in new home loans in the first quarter of 2026 – the highest volume recorded for any January to March quarter.

It’s quite a milestone, and the benefits all flow your way.

Let’s take a look at why more Australians are turning to a broker for help understanding lending options, comparing products and landing a loan that can turn property goals into reality.

What do mortgage brokers do?

Taking out a home loan is a serious step, and you want to be confident of getting it right.

With over 130 home loan lenders to select from, it’s easy to assume home buyers are spoilt for choice.

The catch is that it takes would-be buyers time – and lots of it – to compare just a fraction of the loans available.

That’s where brokers come in.

Our job is to help you navigate the complexity, and assist you in finding a mortgage that meets your needs.

We start by explaining your borrowing power, letting you know if you’re eligible for any first home buyer support schemes, giving you access to a huge range of lenders, and then doing all the legwork comparing rates and features to short-list a suitable selection of home loans for you.

Then we help you complete the loan paperwork, and we liaise with your chosen lender all the way through to settlement.

All-in-all, this gives you a great combination of confidence and convenience when it comes to organising your home loan.

Why do over 8-in-10 borrowers choose a mortgage broker?

The continued growth of brokers’ market share comes at a time when borrowers are facing housing affordability challenges, cost of living pressures and changing interest rate expectations.

That’s a lot to manage on your own.

Add in more complex lending decisions, and it’s easy to see why more Australians than ever before are turning to a mortgage broker.

Be rewarded with customer satisfaction

Brokers don’t just help streamline the home loan process. We can also make it more rewarding.

Research by Deloitte has found broker customers tend to be more satisfied with their experience than direct-to-lender customers.

One-third of broker customers rated their experience of using a broker a 9- or 10-out-of-10 (with 10 ‘exceeding expectations’), compared to only 20% of direct-to-lender customers.

And, as brokers are required by law to act in your best interests, you can be sure we will only recommend loans and lenders that suit your circumstances.  

Put us to the test

No matter whether you’re a first home buyer, upgrader, investor, or you just want to know if you could benefit by refinancing to a new loan, we’re here to help.

Call us today to discover why more Australians are choosing to partner with a broker.

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