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Mortgage brokers are increasingly breaking into the commercial mortgage market, the ifs School of Finance has suggested based on the influx of brokers taking its Certificate in Commercial Mortgages qualification.

The CeCM was developed by the ifs School of Finance in consultation with the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers, and enables brokers to gain a better understanding of the common types of commercial products and schemes, affordability and suitability issues, risk management in the various commercial sectors, the legal and regulatory framework surrounding commercial mortgages and factors affecting the value of commercial property.

Mark Roberts, head of financial regulation at the ifs School of Finance, said: "Brokers should not be put off by tales of doom and gloom in the buy-to-let sector following the credit squeeze because while the amateur buy-to-let investor may well have had his day, as a result of declining property prices and a lack of mortgage credit, professional investors with large property portfolios appear to be doing very well indeed."

The ifs School of Finance says its CeCM qualification helps advisers gain a business advantage through such technical modules, with the ability to pursue the full advanced CeMAP qualification, and that it broadens the business scope of existing mortgage brokers.

Mr Roberts added: "It‘s not rocket science, fewer home buyers equals greater demand for rental properties which in turn produces rising rental income and greater profits for these types of investor. Put simply, it represents a good business opportunity for commercial mortgage brokers."

For further information, visit www.ifslearning.ac.uk.