5 Things Shaping Mortgage & Debt Hiring Right Now

Insights from the deverellsmith Salary Guide & Trends Report 2026

After a turbulent few years, the mortgage market has found a more stable footing. Falling base rates, renewed buyer confidence, and stronger activity levels are feeding through into hiring. Here's what's driving the talent market across Mortgages & Debt right now.

1. Stability has returned and hiring confidence has followed

The past 12 months have been markedly more settled than the turbulence that followed the summer of 2022. Falling base rates and renewed confidence among first-time buyers have driven stronger activity levels across the UK, prompting firms to expand their advisory teams and re-hire after the slowdown experienced through late 2024. A more predictable workflow for brokers has given businesses the confidence to invest in their people again.

2. Experienced advisers with strong networks are the most sought-after hires

Increased demand from first-time buyers has created a more active market, but the most desirable candidates remain experienced mortgage advisers with established client books, across both employed and self-employed models. These individuals are well-positioned in their current roles and rarely actively looking, making them a genuinely difficult population to reach. Businesses that want to hire at this level need a proactive, targeted approach rather than relying on inbound applications.

3. The self-employed model continues to rise

One of the defining trends of the past year has been the continued growth of self-employed broking structures. Firms favour these models for their lower fixed-cost risk, while candidates are drawn to higher commission rates, greater autonomy, and support packages that reduce administrative burden. As this model becomes more mainstream, businesses that can offer a compelling self-employed proposition are increasingly well placed to attract quality advisers.

4. Brand strength is a genuine talent differentiator

In a market where candidates have options, brand reputation has become a critical factor in attracting advisers. Strong brands offer superior lead generation and a perception of earning stability, both of which matter enormously to advisers weighing up a move. For smaller or newer firms, this creates a real challenge, and one that requires deliberate investment in employer brand and the quality of the support package on offer.

5. Salary structures are variable, and the outlook is positive

Pay levels across the division remain highly variable, reflecting the breadth of compensation structures in play across employed and self-employed models. Looking ahead, if base rates continue to stabilise or fall, hiring activity is expected to grow further alongside upward pressure on total earnings. Ongoing product volatility and geopolitical uncertainty may moderate the pace somewhat, but the sector enters 2026 with confidence, strengthened pipelines, and growing demand for high-quality mortgage advisers.

For full salary data and hiring trends across Mortgages & Debt, download the deverellsmith Salary Guide & Trends Report 2026.

About the Author

Hugh Van Grutten | Head of Mortgage & Debt Advisory

Hugh has 10 years of experience at deverellsmith and heads up the Mortgage desk. He specialises in partnering with companies and delivering on project work, recruiting across all senior levels within the mortgage industry and is skilled at headhunting top talent for his companies.