Periods of market disruption are nothing new in the mortgage world but they seem to be arriving more often and with less warning.
In recent weeks, conflict in the Middle East quickly filtered through to worldwide market turmoil, inevitably impacting swap rates, with lenders having to respond at speed and product pricing shifting within hours.
According to Moneyfacts, more than 1,200 products were withdrawn in one month — around 17% of the market — while average two-year fixed rates jumped by 100 basis points. That level of movement has not been seen since the volatility following the 2022 Mini-Budget.
This is where technology becomes critical
What feels different now is not just the scale of change but the pattern. These shorter bursts of instability are becoming more frequent. Halifax data also points to a more cautious market backdrop, with house price growth easing to 0.8% annually and regional performance becoming more uneven. Together, this suggests a market that remains active but is increasingly sensitive to external pressures.
At the same time, it’s evident that demand is still out there. Pre-conflict research from Twenty7tec showed that mortgage searches reached 1.81 million in February, with remortgage searches up 19% year on year. This combination of sustained volume and repeated disruption is where pressure builds. Cases need to move quickly, but conditions are changing just as fast. This is where technology becomes critical.
Volatility exposes process gaps
During more stable periods, inefficiencies in process can be absorbed; but, when timelines tighten, those same inefficiencies become far more visible.
Disconnected systems are a common issue. Client data, sourcing, documents and submissions often sit across different platforms, with manual steps required. Rekeying data adds time and introduces the risk of error, while switching between systems slows progress.
Visibility is a challenge too. Without a single, real-time view of the pipeline, brokers can struggle to identify the cases most at risk when products are withdrawn or repriced. That lack of clarity can lead to missed opportunities. These are not unfamiliar problems, but periods of disruption make them harder to manage and processes must be designed with that in mind.
It is not about predicting when the next period of disruption will arrive but about being ready when it does
A connected workflow is the ideal starting point. When CRM systems, sourcing tools and lender platforms are integrated, data flows through the journey rather than being entered multiple times. This allows cases to move more quickly when timing is critical.
API connectivity is particularly important here. By linking broker systems directly with those of lenders, advisers can move from sourcing to submission without leaving their core platform.
Access to real-time data also becomes more valuable during periods of change. When product, criteria and affordability updates are reflected instantly, brokers are working with the latest information.
Staying ahead of disruption
Automation provides a level of consistency that is difficult to achieve manually, especially when the market is moving quickly. Structured workflows enable cases to progress without constant manual input, ensuring that key steps are completed on time.
More importantly, systems can monitor time-sensitive events. Alerts can flag approaching deadlines, product withdrawals or stalled cases, enabling brokers to act early.
Digital document handling also plays a role. Faster uploads, pre-populated forms and automated checks reduce the time needed to prepare applications.
We know that high activity levels do not ease during periods of disruption. In fact, they can increase as borrowers look to secure deals before further changes.
Access to real-time data becomes more valuable during periods of change
Technology helps bring structure to that volume. Standardised workflows ensure that every case follows a consistent path, reducing variation and making it easier to manage larger pipelines. At the same time, central dashboards provide visibility across all cases.
This becomes critical when multiple clients are affected by the same market movement. Being able to identify and act on those cases quickly can make a significant difference to outcomes.
There is also an operational benefit. With many advisers already working long hours, reducing manual tasks through automation and integration can help ease pressure and support better time management.
A connected workflow is the ideal starting point
In practice, it is not about predicting when the next period of disruption will arrive but about being ready when it does.
Firms that invest in connected, responsive systems will be better placed to keep cases moving.
Dale Jannels is CEO at One Mortgage System
This article featured in the May 2026 edition of Mortgage Strategy.
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