Second charge lending volumes continue to grow as borrowers prioritise speed and flexibility

By Bridging Loan Directory 14th May 2026

The second charge mortgage market continued to grow in March 2026, with the latest Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) figures showing new business volumes rising 20% year-on-year.

According to the FLA data, 4,129 new agreements were completed during the month, while the value of new business increased 36% to £228m.

Much of the recent growth in the sector has been linked to borrowers remaining tied into historically low fixed-rate mortgages, with many homeowners reluctant to remortgage onto higher rates in order to raise additional capital.

At the same time, the second charge market continues to evolve operationally, with lenders and brokers increasingly focused on faster turnaround times, automated underwriting and more streamlined processes.

Advancements in lender technology, AVMs and integrated broker systems are helping to reduce completion times significantly, particularly on straightforward cases.

Loans Warehouse recently completed a £190,000 secured loan with Admiral Money in under six hours from submission to funds released.

The case involved debt consolidation and capital raising, with both firms working closely to manage underwriting requirements and customer communication throughout the process.

Mike Walters, Commercial Director at Admiral Money, said:

“Technology is undoubtedly a key enabler and essential for ensuring the market continues to move forward. When supported by experienced firms who understand the process and requirements, these types of turnaround times become increasingly achievable.”

Matt Tristram, co-founder of Loans Warehouse, added:

“The second charge market has evolved significantly in recent years and now offers a level of speed and flexibility that is becoming increasingly important for borrowers looking to raise capital without disturbing existing mortgage arrangements.”

The latest figures suggest the second charge market continues to benefit from demand for flexible capital raising solutions, particularly among borrowers seeking to retain lower-rate primary mortgage products while accessing additional liquidity.