Is the Mental Health of Mortgage Professionals Getting Enough Attention? As the year draws to a close, reflection is natural. Achievements, challenges, and lessons learned all come into focus. One issue, however, deserves particular attention. That issue is the mental health of mortgage professionals.
Mortgage advisers play a vital role in helping clients navigate complex and often stressful financial decisions. They provide guidance on products such as Residential Mortgages, support borrowers with affordability concerns, and ensure advice meets regulatory standards. Despite this responsibility, the mental well-being of professionals in the sector is often overlooked.
In 2024, the UK mortgage market experienced significant change. Rising interest rates, shifting lender criteria, regulatory pressures, and ongoing economic uncertainty increased workloads across the industry. For many advisers, these pressures contributed to heightened stress and emotional strain.
The Current State of Mental Health in the Mortgage Industry
Industry data highlights growing concern. The fifth annual survey by the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter reported that 21 per cent of mortgage professionals rated their mental health as poor or of concern in 2024. This represents a notable increase from 14 per cent in the previous year.
The findings suggest that stress levels across the sector are rising. Long working hours, client expectations, compliance demands, and income uncertainty all contribute. These pressures can affect concentration, decision-making, and overall well-being.
Stigma remains a major barrier. Only one in four brokers feels comfortable discussing mental health concerns with colleagues. This reluctance can prevent individuals from seeking support early, increasing the risk of burnout and long-term mental health challenges.
Industry Steps to Support Mental Wellbeing
There are positive signs of progress. In 2024, nearly four in ten mortgage firms introduced initiatives focused on mental well-being. These included mental health awareness training, access to confidential counselling, and policies designed to support healthier work patterns.
Some firms have also invested in resilience training and stress management programmes. These initiatives aim to help advisers manage pressure, maintain balance, and continue delivering high-quality advice to clients seeking services such as Adverse Credit Mortgages or support during complex applications.
Creating open conversations around mental health is a key step forward. When organisations normalise these discussions, professionals are more likely to access support and remain engaged in their roles.
Why Mental Health Matters in Mortgage Advice
Supporting mental health is not only a moral responsibility. It also benefits businesses and customers. Advisers who feel supported are more focused, resilient, and better equipped to provide clear, regulated advice.
In a sector where accuracy and judgement are critical, well-being directly impacts service quality. Reducing stress-related absence can improve continuity for clients and stability for firms. It can also help retain experienced advisers, which is vital in a regulated industry.
For professionals supporting borrowers through major life decisions, such as purchasing a home or restructuring debt, mental wellbeing plays an important role in maintaining professional standards.
Connect Group Perspective
Jane Benjamin, Director of Mortgages at Connect, is a recognised advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion within the mortgage industry. She actively supports initiatives that promote flexible working and improved wellbeing.
Jane has emphasised that mental health must remain a priority as the sector continues to evolve. Creating an environment where professionals feel safe discussing challenges is essential. Investing in wellbeing support helps build a healthier and more sustainable industry.
Mental health awareness is an important focus across the business. Earlier this year, Jane participated in a multi-day walk-and-talk challenge and encouraged colleagues to participate in similar activities at the Connect head office.
Resources like the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) and Mind provide valuable tools and guidance for mortgage professionals seeking assistance. Learn more about mental health resources for brokers here.
Thank you for reading our publication “Mental Health | Is it Getting Enough Attention?” Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!
