Growth of the Role of Intermediaries in Mortgage Credit: A Global Perspective with Emphasis on Portugal, France, and Luxembourg’s Mortgage Markets.

Credit intermediation has become a central component in the mortgage credit market, particularly in Portugal, where the majority of housing contracts pass through the hands of these professionals. This phenomenon, while growing locally, also reflects global trends in strong economies such as France, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany. Each country has specific characteristics that influence the role and impact of intermediaries in the real estate sector.

The Portuguese Context

In Portugal, credit intermediaries have been gaining increasing relevance in the mortgage credit market. Currently, about 70% to 90% of mortgage loans of the major banks, mortgage loans are contracted through these professionals. This phenomenon is due to factors such as:

• The complexity of financial products, which makes it difficult to choose advantageous solutions without specialized assistance.
• The ability of intermediaries to negotiate customized and competitive conditions with financial institutions.
• The demand for services that save time and simplify processes, especially in the case of young buyers.

Intermediaries have become essential consultants, acting as facilitators for consumers and banks in a sector facing challenges such as rising interest rates and increased regulation by the Bank of Portugal.

France: The Growing Role of "Courtiers"

In France, credit intermediaries, known as courtiers, play a prominent role in the real estate market:

• More than 40% of mortgage loans in France are contracted with the help of intermediaries, a number that continues to grow as consumers seek to simplify access to financing.
• The grandes grupos de corretagem, como CAFPI e Meilleurtaux, dominam o mercado, combinando consultoria presencial com plataformas digitais que permitem simulações e pré-aprovações rápidas.
• A regulamentação, gerida pela Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), é rigorosa, garantindo confiança no serviço prestado e proteção aos consumidores.

The French market stands out for the combination of specialized advisory and the use of technology, offering a balance that appeals to both young buyers and more experienced investors.

Luxembourg: An Exclusive and Specialized Market

Luxembourg, known for its economic stability and high standard of living, has unique characteristics in the credit intermediation sector:

• Specialized Intermediaries have a significant presence, especially in housing credit solutions for expatriates, who make up a large part of the country's active population.
• The multinational nature of the market makes the role of intermediaries crucial, helping consumers navigate the complex financial and legal requirements, often distinct for non-residents.
• Luxembourg intermediaries stand out for offering customized solutions high-value credit solutions, focusing on clients seeking to finance luxury properties.

Although digitalization is not as advanced as in countries like France or the United Kingdom, attention to detail and a customer-focused approach differentiate the sector in Luxembourg.

Comparison with Other Strong Economies

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is one of the most mature markets for credit intermediaries. More than of mortgage loan contracts go through mortgage advisers, thanks to the strong value placed on personalized consulting. Additionally:

• Digitalization plays a significant role, with online platforms complementing the work of intermediaries.
• The regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) promotes quality and transparency in the service provided.

United States of America

In the USA, the mortgage brokers They remain relevant but face direct competition from digital platforms like Rocket Mortgage, which allow clients to manage the credit process independently. Despite this, brokers still dominate more complex financing cases.

Final Considerations: Portugal in the Global Landscape

The growth of the role of credit intermediaries in Portugal reflects global changes in the mortgage credit market. Countries like France and Luxembourg show complementary approaches, combining personalized consulting and technological innovation to meet the needs of diversified markets.

While consumers in Portugal continue to value proximity and personalized support, the future of this sector will depend on the ability to adapt to new demands, including increased digitalization and the offering of innovative services.

If you are considering using a credit intermediary or want to explore the best conditions for your mortgage loan, schedule a meeting with our team now, https://dsicreditoloures.pt/en/contactos/