Abi from Barclays Mortgages and Remmea from Oportfolio
A couple of weeks ago, our team at Oportfolio Mortgages had the pleasure of welcoming Abi Muazu, business development manager for Barclays mortgages into our Putney mortgage brokerage. As part of our ongoing commitment to building close relationships with mortgage lenders and constantly expanding our knowledge of lender’s criteria, we regularly invite representatives from UK banks like Barclays to share criteria updates with our team. Abi spared some of her time to sit down with Content and Communications Director at Oportfolio Louis Mason, to share her thoughts on Barclays position in the UK market in 2024 and moving into 2025.
An Update On The Last Quarter Of The Year And Barclays Mortgages In 2025
Louis: What do you see for Barclays moving into 2025?
Abi: As we move toward 2025, Barclays is poised for exciting times. Over the past year, we’ve made significant strides by listening more closely to our customers and brokers. This has led to a series of changes driven by the feedback we’ve received, epitomised by a “You said – we did!” approach. We have improved our affordability criteria and enhanced our joint borrower-sole proprietor products, making them more accessible.
One of the most exciting developments is our new system, which has already received positive feedback from mortgage brokers. It’s designed to make the mortgage application process smoother and more user-friendly, reducing the number of application questions by 40%. Our aim is to make the entire journey more efficient for all parties involved. Additionally, with mortgage rates decreasing, clients are benefiting more, and we expect this trend to continue into 2025. We are also expanding our team by hiring more underwriters to ensure quicker turnaround times for applications.
In terms of operational improvements, our valuation system has seen a shift towards using more desktop valuations, which speeds up the process compared to physical valuations. These changes reflect our commitment to making the mortgage process more efficient and tailored to our customers’ needs.
Louis: What type of mortgage borrower will Barclays be focusing on?
Abi: In 2025, Barclays will primarily focus on existing clients, ensuring their satisfaction and loyalty by improving their experience. While the Buy-to-Let (BTL) market may not be a key focus moving forward, we are committed to expanding our reach within the residential mortgage space.
Our primary target will be first-time buyers and second-time buyers, with a continued focus on remortgages. This is why improvements such as the introduction of more desktop valuations are so important—they help streamline the process for these groups of borrowers. By focusing on first-time buyers, second-time buyers, and those looking to remortgage, we aim to offer tailored solutions that meet their needs more effectively.
Louis: What do you, Abi, do to help your clients?
Abi: As a dedicated point of contact, I aim to always be there for my brokers. Whether they need support, have questions, or encounter issues with a case, I’m there to help resolve them and ensure that their clients’ mortgage applications progress as smoothly as possible.
My role is to ensure that brokers can help their clients easily, and to make the entire mortgage journey as seamless as possible. I also focus on keeping my brokers updated with any policy changes or important updates, so they can remain knowledgeable and offer the best possible advice to their clients. In essence, my job is to support brokers so they can, in turn, provide exceptional service to their clients.
Speak To A Mortgage Advisor
Maintaining relationships with mortgage lenders and their business development managers like Abi is essential for our mortgage brokers, to be able to offer the most up to date and most informed information. If you or anyone you know is thinking of getting a new mortgage, then please feel free to give us a call today.
