Borrower appetite for specialist property finance remains robust despite broader market volatility, according to Brickflow’s latest MarketWatch report.
In the second quarter of 2025, 1,389 decisions in principle (DIPs) were submitted through the Brickflow platform, signalling strong demand from borrowers even as economic headwinds persist.
However, the report notes a modest decline in searches for development finance, indicating a more measured approach from property developers – an insight that comes just as the government steps up efforts to accelerate new housing delivery.
On the pricing front, interest rates across the specialist finance market remained broadly stable in Q2, with early signs of downward pressure beginning to emerge as competition among lenders intensifies.
DEVELOPER CAUTION
One City analyst tells Property Soup: “Borrowers are clearly still active in the market, but there’s growing caution among developers.
“This mirrors broader uncertainty around build costs, planning delays, and the long-term outlook for interest rates.”
One of the most significant trends in the report is the continued shift toward digitalisation within the lending sector.
The second quarter saw a growing number of lenders join the Brickflow platform, including challenger banks and established institutions like NatWest, suggesting that even household names are beginning to embrace the benefits of online infrastructure.
“As more of the market moves online, it’s increasingly clear: digital platforms are becoming essential infrastructure for brokers and lenders alike,” the report notes.
REAL TIME LOANS
Founded to improve transparency and access in the property finance sector, Brickflow’s platform allows brokers to compare and apply for specialist loans in real time – a process that traditionally involved lengthy offline negotiations.
With the number of lenders on the platform growing and deal flow holding steady, the outlook for tech-enabled lending looks increasingly robust.
As specialist finance continues to adapt to the demands of borrowers and regulators, the firms that embrace digital transformation may be the ones best positioned to capitalise on the next wave of market activity.
Read the report HERE.
