Mortgage searches rose in March, reaching 2.15 million as borrowers reacted to ongoing economic uncertainty and changing mortgage rates, according to data from Twenty7tec.
Figures from the firm’s Insight Pro platform show searches increased by 19% compared with February and were up 17% year-on-year, marking the highest level of activity so far in 2026.
The increase comes amid continued volatility in financial markets, with shifts in interest rate expectations, energy prices and wider geopolitical factors influencing swap rates and mortgage pricing.
Remortgaging was a key driver of activity. Residential remortgage searches rose to 907,610 in March, up 32% month-on-month and 37% higher than a year earlier, as borrowers nearing the end of fixed deals moved to secure new rates.
Purchase activity also increased despite affordability pressures. Residential purchase searches reached 725,485, up 8% on February and 5% year-on-year, indicating continued demand from buyers.
First-time buyer searches rose by 5% month-on-month to 173,752, although they remained slightly below levels seen a year earlier.
The buy-to-let sector also saw renewed activity, with searches rising to 343,746, an 18% increase on February and 12% higher than March 2025, as landlords reassessed borrowing strategies.
Nathan Reilly, chief customer officer at Twenty7tec, said: “The data highlights how closely borrower behaviour is linked to wider economic signals.
“The increase in search volumes reflects a market reacting to a mix of improving momentum and ongoing uncertainty.
“On the global side, volatility in energy markets and wider geopolitical tensions have continued to influence inflation expectations and mortgage pricing, while here in the UK borrowers are still navigating affordability pressures.”