An Introduction to Some Leading Mortgage Brokers

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will ever make, but navigating the mortgage market can be challenging. With many potential lenders and products available, finding the right mortgage can be a complex and time-consuming exercise. A mortgage broker specialises in matching buyers requiring a mortgage with suitable lenders, saving them time and money, while also providing expert advice tailored to their circumstances. This article provides an introduction to some leading mortgage advisors, explaining how they work and how you could choose one suited to your needs.

What is a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between borrowers and lenders, helping individuals secure a mortgage loan. They research different lenders’ products suited to your circumstances and recommend deals accordingly. This role is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Brokers can operate as tied, multi-tied or whole-of-market, depending on the range of lenders they can access.

Types of mortgage broker:

• Tied: Sells mortgages from a single lender.

• Multi‑tied: Offers products from a panel of selected lenders.

• Whole‑of‑market: Searches widely across lenders operating in the entire market.

Why use a mortgage broker?

1. Access to more deals: Whole-of-market brokers will potentially compare hundreds of options to find the best fit. This means that you are not limited to just one bank’s or a small number of banks’ offers and can potentially also benefit from exclusive deals not available to the public.

2. Expert guidance: They advise on suitability and eligibility and help prepare documentation. Their in-depth understanding of lender criteria can help you avoid your application being rejected.

3. Save time and stress: Borrowers without specialist knowledge benefit from brokers handling the complexity and paperwork. They can help manage the entire process from initial consultation to completion, ensuring deadlines are met and reducing the administrative burden.

4. Potential cost savings: Brokers often secure better rates or deals with free valuations and legals that retail customers may not have direct access to or miss. The savings could be significant.

5. Tailored advice: Especially useful for non-standard circumsyances, such as self-employment, buy-to‑let purchases or complex incomes. A good broker will understand your financial profile and recommend lenders most likely to approve your application, saving you from unnecessary credit checks or rejections.

Some Leading Mortgage Brokers

1. Better.co.uk

Previously known as Trussle, Better.co.uk is an online-first mortgage broker. They are a fee-free broker offering whole-of-market services, with a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot. They have a quick online application process, after which you will receive a call from an advisor. The initial consultation is free. However, should you proceed with a mortgage application through Better, you may pay a fee depending on your circumstances and credit history. Better also receives a fee from the lender for helping you secure a mortgage through them.

Go to Better.co.uk.

2. Habito

Habito is another fee-free, whole-of-market mortgage advisor. They also offer an online application process, Subsequent communications are conducted via email or through their app, with certain parts of the process conducted telephonically. They have a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot. Habito’s service includes a conveyancing solicitor, a building survey report, a personal case manager and a tracking process that lasts until you have completed your property purchase.

Go to Habito.

3. London & Country

L&C is one of the largest and most well-known national mortgage brokers. They provide a whole-of-market service with no fee and have access to over 90 lenders. The process is primarily conducted telephonically, which may be preferable to some who would rather deal with a person than go through an online application. L&C is an experienced broker with mortgage expertise spanning buy-to-let, non-standard borrowers and adverse credit. They have a rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

Go to London & Country.

4. John Charcol

John Charcol may be a suitable option for those with specialist or non-standard borrowing requirements, such as adverse credit or self-employed status. They offer a whole-of-market service with access to over 100 lenders. They charge fees, which typically start at £699. John Charcol offers telephonic advice as well as face-to-face meetings and has a Trustpilot rating of 4.9 out of 5.  

Go to John Charcol.

5. Mojo Mortgages

Mojo is a whole-of-market broker that leverages fintech solutions to streamline the mortgage search and application process. They are fee-free and have a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot. The application process is online and telephonic, with a team of brokers who specialise in buy-to-let, first-charge residential and high-net-worth customers.  

Go to Mojo Mortgages.

How to Select a Suitable Mortgage Advisor

Finding a reliable and effective mortgage broker can significantly improve your chances of securing the best deal. Here are the key steps to guide your search:

1. Verify FCA registration: All mortgage brokers must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can confirm a broker’s status by checking the Financial Services Register. This indicates that they meet the required standards of professionalism and consumer protection.

2. Look for whole-of-market access: Look for brokers who can search across the full market spectrum of lenders, not just a limited panel. Whole-of-market brokers are more likely to find you a competitive mortgage tailored to your circumstances and requirements.

3. Compare mortgage advisor fees: Broker fees can vary depending on the firm and the complexity of the case. Always ask for a clear breakdown of fees upfront to avoid hidden costs later in the process.

What questions should I ask a mortgage broker?

Here are some questions every borrower should consider asking a mortgage broker:

• Are you FCA‑regulated?

• What are your charges?

• Will your charges be lender-paid or borrower-paid or a combination?

• Which mortgage types do you specialise in (first-time buyer, buy-to-let, adverse credit etc.)?

• How do you communicate (phone, online, face-to-face)?

Conclusion

Choosing the right mortgage broker can make a crucial difference in securing the most suitable mortgage for your situation. Whether you are a first-time buyer, remortgaging your existing property or exploring buy-to-let opportunities, a trusted mortgage broker can offer invaluable support, from sourcing competitive deals to navigating lender requirements. By comparing mortgage advisor fees, verifying FCA accreditation and selecting a broker who understands your needs, you can approach your home-buying journey with confidence. With expert guidance on your side, you can save time, money and stress.

FAQs

Q. What do mortgage brokers do?

A. Mortgage brokers help borrowers find suitable mortgage products based on their financial circumstances. They offer guidance throughout the application process, ensuring that the borrower understands their options and improves their chances of securing approval.

Q. Is it better to use a mortgage broker or go directly to a lender?

A. Using a broker can give you access to a wider range of products compared to going directly to a single bank or building society. Brokers often have exclusive deals and the expertise to match your situation with the most appropriate lender, which could be particularly useful for first-time buyers or applicants with complex financial circumstances.

Q. How much do mortgage advisors charge?

A. Mortgage broker fees can vary. Some brokers are fee-free and are paid commissions by lenders, while others charge flat fees or a percentage of the mortgage amount. It is important to confirm all costs upfront and ensure that you are receiving independent advice regardless of how the broker is compensated.

Q. Can a broker improve my chances of getting a mortgage?

A. A mortgage advisor can significantly improve your chances of approval. They understand each lender’s criteria and can help reduce the risk of rejections and unnecessary credit checks that may affect your credit score.

Q. Do I need a mortgage broker for a remortgage or buy-to-let?

A. Many people use brokers for remortgages or buy-to-let purchases to access specialist deals and navigate more complex lending criteria. A good broker can identify cost-saving opportunities or help structure your finances more effectively for investment properties.

Additional Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/mortgages/best-mortgage-brokers/

https://moneytothemasses.com/owning-a-home/mortgages/best-mortgage-brokers-uk/amp

https://propertywatchdog.co.uk/uk-property-finance/best-mortgage-brokers-in-the-uk/