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Here’s what’s shaping 2026 and why it matters for the industry.
Brokers at the heart of a nuanced market
Brokers remain the backbone of home lending. It was widely reported in 2025 that 76 per cent of all new residential loans in Q3 2025 are broker-originated. That dominance reflects a simple truth: brokers are the first to see how borrower profiles are evolving.
On top of this, investor activity is surging, with new investor loan commitments up 13.6 per cent and loan values climbing 17.6 per cent in the September quarter. These aren’t cookie-cutter applications. They often involve layered income streams, multiple properties, and strategies that don’t fit rigid bank templates.
Complexity doesn’t mean complex deals
For years, lenders equated complexity with higher risk. But today, complexity often signals circumstance, not credit quality. Behind non-standard profiles, you’ll find borrowers with strong serviceability, equity, and intent. Think:
• Self-employed professionals with variable income.
• Portfolio investors managing multiple securities.
• Expats with offshore earnings.
• Credit-repaired clients with proven stability.
These aren’t fringe cases in 2026. They’re mainstream, and brokers are the trusted guides navigating the nuance.
Commercial lending adds another dimension
It’s not just residential. Broker-driven commercial lending has seen strong growth in recent years, with market share and volumes hitting record highs. This reflects brokers’ ability to manage complexity across asset classes and their growing role in supporting business owners and investors with tailored solutions.
Income evolution is reshaping borrower profiles
Post-COVID-19, many Australians have shifted from PAYG to self-employed or moved from sole trader to company or trust structures, and according to the Lawpath New Business Index, the number of new ABN registrations continues to grow.
The difference in borrower is often a documentation gap, rather than a risk gap. For brokers, understanding these transitions is key to unlocking opportunities in Near Prime and Alt Doc segments.
Expats: A growing opportunity
Expats living overseas represent another growth area. With more lenders offering solutions across multiple currencies and jurisdictions, brokers can tap into this segment to meet demand from globally mobile clients.
Diversity defines the market
The housing and lending market of 2026 isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s diverse in borrower types, income structures, and financial strategies. Brokers have always led this evolution. The rise of complex-prime borrowers is simply the next chapter.
For specialist lenders, context matters
Specialist lenders – like Bluestone – combine structure with judgement. They look at the full picture:
• Income sustainability over time.
• How equity and portfolios strengthen the position.
• Debt horizons and serviceability.
• Context where policy alone falls short.
For brokers, this means fewer dead ends and more viable solutions for creditworthy clients who deserve a fair shot.
Aaron Taylor is a lending specialist with over a decade of experience in the financial services industry. As head of non-standard lending at Bluestone, he is dedicated to helping mortgage brokers find solutions for clients who fall outside traditional lending criteria. With a strong background in business development, broker support, and specialist lending, Taylor brings deep industry knowledge and a practical approach to every conversation.
For a limited time, Bluestone Home Loans is offering 0 per cent p.a. investor loading on eligible residential loans submitted between 19 January and 13 February 2026. T&Cs and lending criteria apply. Talk to your Bluestone BDM or visit the Broker Hub for more info.
[Related: How can brokers get more out of record investor activity?]