Access to More Lenders

• Brokers often have access to a wide range of mortgage products, including ones not available directly to the public (sometimes called “intermediary-only” deals).
• Some brokers are “whole of market”, meaning they can search virtually every lender for the best deal.

Save Time & Effort

• Rather than applying to multiple banks yourself, a broker does the legwork – comparing rates, fees, and criteria.
• They manage a lot of the admin and liaise directly with the lender on your behalf.

Better Chances of Approval

A broker understands each lender’s criteria and will match you with those most likely to approve your application, reducing risk of rejection and hits to your credit score.

Tailored Advice

• Especially helpful for complex situations: self-employed applicants, bad credit, first-time buyers, or buy-to-let investors.
• Brokers can explain the true cost of a mortgage, not just the headline interest rate (e.g., fees, early repayment charges, etc.).

Exclusive Deals

Some lenders only offer certain deals through brokers, which could be cheaper or more flexible than going direct.

Support Throughout the Process

• Brokers act as a go-between for you, the lender, and sometimes even your solicitor and estate agent.
• They can speed up the process and help resolve any issues quickly.

Things to Watch Out For:

• Fees: Some brokers charge a fee (flat or percentage). Always ask upfront.
• Not all are whole-of-market: Some only work with a panel of lenders, so always check how broad their coverage is.

In Summary:

Using a mortgage broker can save you time, money, and stress, especially if your situation isn’t straightforward. Just make sure to choose a reputable, FCA-authorised broker, and understand how they’re compensated.