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.

Mortgage Advice Bureau Lowers 2026 Profit Forecast Amid Market Challenges

Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) has revised its projected 2026 profit down by £5 million, citing a slower market and delays in growth from its subsidiary, Fluent. The company now expects an adjusted profit before tax of £38 million, down from its previous forecast of £43.4 million.

In a trading update, MAB stated that the anticipated easing in interest rates and a gradual recovery in purchase activity had not occurred. The group noted that a significant portion of its expected growth for 2025 was linked to Fluent, where an increase in new lead flows has been delayed. The delivery of Fluent’s strategic plan has also progressed more slowly than expected, with pilot costs incurred ahead of associated revenue.

MAB reported that the housing and mortgage market became more challenging over the summer, with global developments contributing to uncertainty around inflation and borrowing costs. The group highlighted that UK purchase transactions were 3% lower in the first seven months of 2026, and mortgage approvals for house purchases fell by 15% year-on-year in July.

Despite these challenges, MAB said the market remains refinance-led, with fixed rate maturities providing a significant refinancing opportunity for the remainder of the year, particularly through product transfers. For the first half of the financial year, MAB expects to report an adjusted profit before tax of £14.8 million, slightly above its earlier projection of £14.6 million and last year’s £14.5 million.

MAB also stated that it is continuing to strengthen its operating model by centralising administrative and support activities, increasing automation, and integrating its invested businesses more closely. The group believes these initiatives are simplifying processes, improving efficiency, and supporting increased operating leverage as it grows.