Going Direct to a Lender
Applying directly means approaching banks and building societies yourself, either online, by phone, or in branch. Some lenders offer exclusive direct-only deals that aren't available through brokers, and you avoid paying a broker fee.
The downside is that each lender can only offer you their own products. You'd need to research and compare multiple lenders yourself, and you won't get impartial advice about which deal is best for your situation. If your application is complex, you may also lack the expert guidance needed to navigate different lenders' criteria.
Using a Mortgage Broker
A mortgage broker searches the wider market on your behalf and recommends deals based on your specific circumstances. They can access products from dozens or even hundreds of lenders, including some that don't deal directly with the public. They also manage much of the application process, saving you considerable time and effort.
Brokers provide regulated financial advice, meaning their recommendations must be suitable for your circumstances. If things go wrong, you have recourse through the Financial Ombudsman Service. The trade-off is the broker fee, though many brokers are fee-free and earn their income from lender commission instead.
When Going Direct Makes Sense
Going direct can work well if you have a straightforward situation — stable employment, good credit, and a standard property. Your existing lender's product transfer options are always worth checking, as these often involve minimal paperwork and no legal fees.
Direct-only deals from major banks can sometimes beat broker-available products, particularly for borrowers with low loan-to-value ratios. If you enjoy comparing financial products and are confident assessing the total cost of a deal including fees, going direct can save you a broker's fee.
When a Broker Is the Better Choice
A broker becomes essential when your circumstances are anything other than textbook. Self-employment, adverse credit, non-standard income, unusual properties, or complex financial situations all benefit enormously from professional guidance. A broker who understands which lenders will accept your profile saves you from wasting time and credit searches on applications likely to be declined.
Even with a straightforward application, a broker's market knowledge can be valuable. They may find deals you wouldn't discover yourself, and their understanding of fee structures means they can calculate the true cost of each option rather than just comparing headline rates.
Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There will be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual rate available will depend on your circumstances. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.