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From Re-commerce to 35-Year Mortgages: 5 Trends Shaping the Future of Credit

March 13, 2026 |

The UK consumer mindset has undergone a permanent shift. Our latest Spending and Lending: Key Trends in UK Consumer Credit, reveals the days of ‘wait and see’ are over, replaced by a new normal that's here to stay, where financially savvy borrowers prioritise strategic flexibility over traditional ownership.
This quarter’s report reveals a landscape defined by adaptation and sophistication. From the great mortgage recalibration to the booming circular economy, consumers are rewriting the rules of personal finance.
 

Key Highlights:

  • Mortgages reach a turning point: Demand is rebounding as interest rates stabilise at 3.75%. A major shift in attitude is underway, with 11% of originations now exceeding 35-year terms, a nearly fourfold increase from pre-2022 levels.

  • Credit cards as cash-flow tools: Outstanding debt has surpassed £79 billion. However, this isn't necessarily a sign of distress; many users are leveraging cards for the flexibility and benefits they bring, along with the enhanced consumer protection.

  • Re-commerce is here to stay: The circular economy is officially mainstream, with the UK market contributing £7 billion annually. Over half of shoppers now buy second-hand to manage costs.

  • Auto finance and the redress challenge: While the EV sector now represents 41% of UK manufacturing output, lenders face a looming operational hurdle with the motor finance redress scheme, which traces back to 2007. Are you prepared?

For lenders and financial professionals, the challenge is meeting consumers where they are. Whether it's supporting the 10% of credit invisibles in the UK or managing the data gaps in auto finance, staying ahead requires real-time intelligence.


Ready to dive deeper into the data?
Click here to read the full Spring 2026 Spending and Lending Trends Report >

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