Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Solutions. Read the original article for full details.

Lenders Make Record Number of Criteria Changes in August 2026

Knowledge Bank has reported that more than 6,800 lender criteria changes were recorded in August 2026, the highest monthly total so far this year. The platform also saw just under 6,000 new criteria areas added by lenders during the same period.

These figures come despite a seasonal slowdown in broker search volumes over the summer months. Knowledge Bank noted that while overall search activity eased in August, searches per broker remained higher than in the same period last year.

The data highlights significant activity among lenders, with Knowledge Bank describing the volume of changes and new criteria as “extraordinary.” The platform also reported increased engagement from lenders, with 22 lenders lined up to join Knowledge Bank across the commercial, buy-to-let (BTL), and bridging sectors.

Knowledge Bank stated that access to broker search data is helping lenders better understand changing demand and identify areas where criteria may be restricting case progression. According to the latest search data, the most searched and most frequently changed criterion was maximum age at end of term. Additionally, searches for joint borrower sole proprietor (JBSP) continued to rise, and capital raising for debt consolidation moved from 15th to 10th place in the rankings.

These developments may be relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, as changes in lender criteria can impact the buy-to-let market and the types of clients seeking rental properties.