Should you use a mortgage broker or adviser?

What is a mortgage broker or adviser? 

A mortgage broker, also known as a mortgage adviser, is someone who helps you find the most suitable mortgage for your circumstances. 

They sit between you and lenders, using their knowledge of the market to recommend deals that work for your finances, your plans and your long-term goals.  

You might use a broker if you’re: 

• Buying your first home 

• Moving house 

• Remortgaging 

• Buying a property to let 

They can also step in if things haven’t gone to plan, for example if you’ve struggled to get a mortgage or you’re unsure what you’re eligible for.  

What does a mortgage broker actually do day to day? 

A broker’s job goes beyond simply finding a mortgage that’s a good fit for your circumstances. They’ll guide you through the whole process from early research to application. 

1. Understanding your situation 

They’ll ask about your income, spending, deposit and future plans. This helps them work out: 

• How much you might be able to borrow 

• What type of mortgage could suit you 

2. Searching the market 

Using specialist tools and market knowledge, they’ll compare mortgage deals much faster than most people could on their own. 

3. Matching you with the right lender 

Lenders often have different rules and acceptance criteria. A broker helps you avoid applying to lenders who are unlikely to accept you, which can protect your credit score. 

4. Recommending a deal 

They’ll explain your options clearly, so you can choose a mortgage with confidence. 

5. Handling the application 

From gathering documents to submitting paperwork, they’ll take care of the admin and deal with the lender on your behalf. 

Mortgage broker vs lender: what’s the difference? 

Understanding this can help you decide where to start your search. 

• A mortgage broker or adviser looks across multiple lenders and recommends suitable deals 

• A mortgage lender (like a bank or building society) is the organisation that lends you the money 

Some lenders have their own advisers, but they’ll only talk you through their own mortgages. That means you might not see the full range of options available elsewhere. 

When is using a mortgage broker most helpful? 

While anyone can use a broker, they’re particularly useful in situations where things aren’t straightforward. 

If you’ve been declined before 

Different lenders use different criteria. A broker can help you understand why you were turned down and point you towards lenders more likely to accept you. 

If you’re self-employed or have irregular income 

Some lenders are stricter than others and require more documentation from self-employed people applying for a mortgage. Brokers know which ones are more flexible in cases like: 

• Freelance income 

• Contract work 

• Recently changing jobs 

If you have a lower credit score 

A broker can help find lenders that are more open to considering applications with past credit issues. 

If you want help with the process 

Even if your situation is simple, many people use a broker just to save time and feel more confident with their decision. 

Do mortgage brokers have access to better deals? 

Brokers can often: 

• Search a wider range of mortgage products 

• Narrow down deals you’re most likely to qualify for 

• Present options in one place 

However, it’s worth knowing: 

• Some brokers only work with a limited panel of lenders 

• Some deals are only available directly from banks 

• Some brokers are employed by lenders, so they’ll only offer mortgages from that lender’s product range. They’re often referred to as ‘tied’ mortgage brokers 

That’s why it’s important to ask what range of lenders your broker covers before you go ahead.  

How do mortgage brokers get paid? 

Mortgage brokers may: 

• Charge you a fee 

• Get paid commission by the lender 

• Or use a combination of both 

You should always be told upfront how they’re paid, so you can make an informed decision. 

Are mortgage brokers regulated in the UK? 

Yes. Mortgage advisers and brokers must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).  

This helps make sure: 

• The advice you receive is suitable 

• You’re treated fairly 

• You have protection if something goes wrong 

What should you ask a mortgage broker? 

Before working with a broker, it’s worth asking a few simple questions to make sure they’re right for you: 

• Are you regulated by the FCA? 

• Do you cover the whole market or a limited range of lenders? 

• How much will this cost me, and when do I pay? 

• What support will you give me during the application? 

These answers will help you understand what to expect and avoid surprises later on. 

Do you have to use a mortgage broker? 

No, you can go directly to a lender if you prefer. 

Going direct might feel simpler if: 

• You already have a relationship with your bank 

• Your situation is very straightforward 

But using a broker can give you more choice and support, which many buyers find helpful. 

What do people who’ve used a mortgage broker think? 

According to UK Finance, the majority of people who’re applying for mortgages do so through a broker. There are multiple reasons someone might use a broker, from simply feeling more supported through the mortgage application process, to getting help if their employment situation or income isn’t straightforward, or if they’re buying a property that might be considered risky by a lender.  

We spoke to people about how they found using a broker in the past. 

Jason, a first-time buyer from Buckinghamshire, says: “Getting your first mortgage can feel pretty scary, so I appreciated a broker guiding me through the process, and making sure I hadn’t messed anything up in the application. I didn’t pay to use my broker, instead their fee was charged to the lender I got my mortgage through, and this was made clear from the start of the process.” 

Harry, who sold a property in London and moved to Surrey in 2025, says: “I didn’t really trust myself to be able to pick the right mortgage deal completely solo even though I’d been through the buying process before. It felt like a big decision, so having a broker to guide us through really helped.” 

Neill remortgaged through a broker in 2026, and said: “The amount of choice can be overwhelming: a broker was able to cut through the noise and find the right deals specifically for our circumstances, explaining the pros and cons of each as we went along. They saved us time and provided peace of mind, and most importantly, we were able to access deals that weren’t available direct to the public.” 

Becky bought her home in south west London in 2023: “I initially went straight to a bank to get a Mortgage in Principle, but the amount offered was lower than expected for the area I wanted. A family friend then recommended a broker, and the experience was completely different. They really took the time to understand my situation, as the property I wanted meant mortgage options were slightly more limited. They already knew the lenders that could be a good fit for me. 

Even after I’d secured a rate, my broker kept checking for better deals and let me know when rates dropped. Having someone monitoring the market on my behalf was really valuable.  

As rates improved, my broker updated the application a few times which meant I ended up with lower monthly payments than I were expecting, and it felt like he genuinely had my best interests at heart.” 

Charlotte used a broker who worked for a specific high street lender, to help with buying her first home in Devon in 2025. “I had done a bit of my own research into mortgage rates too, so while I knew I could have potentially got a slightly better rate elsewhere, I was happy with the convenience of getting it done and dusted through this route. I was given lots of helpful info (more than I was expecting), and as I was relocating a long distance and there were a lot of other plates to spin, taking a slightly higher rate was something I felt comfortable with doing”.    

Contact one of our broker partners

FAQs

• Is a mortgage broker the same as a mortgage adviser?

  Yes, the terms are usually used interchangeably in the UK. Both refer to someone who helps you find and arrange a mortgage.  

• Can a mortgage broker improve my chances of being approved?

  They can help match you with lenders that are more likely to accept your application, based on your circumstances. 

• Do I have to pay a mortgage broker upfront?

  Not always. Some charge fees, while others are paid by lenders. You should always be told how this works before you proceed. 

• Can a broker help if I have bad credit?

  Yes, they could help find lenders who are more flexible and guide you on how to strengthen your application.  

• Do mortgage brokers handle the paperwork?

  Yes. They usually manage the application and communicate with the lender, which can make the process much smoother.  

• How long does it take to get a mortgage through a broker?

  Timelines can vary depending on your situation, the lender and how quickly documents are provided. A broker can help keep things moving. 

• Can I use a broker and still approach lenders myself?

  Yes. You can explore both options in parallel to make sure you’re comfortable with your final choice. 

Try our Mortgage Calculator

Rightmove is not authorised to provide financial advice. The information and opinions in this newsletter are for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon when making financial decisions. You should seek advice from a regulated mortgage adviser. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Rightmove Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.