Should I use a mortgage broker?
Last reviewed 19 May 2026 · Compare Mortgage Rates editorial team
For most UK borrowers, a broker is worth it — particularly if your case is anything other than vanilla employed with a clean credit file.
What a broker actually does
- Reviews your finances and explains realistic options.
- Compares lender criteria, not just headline rates.
- Gets an Agreement in Principle from the right lender.
- Packages your application and chases the lender.
- Handles queries from underwriting.
Whole-of-market vs panel
A whole-of-market broker can recommend from any UK lender. A panel-only broker is restricted to a list. For complex cases, whole-of-market matters.
How brokers are paid
- Lender commission — paid by the lender, doesn’t come off your loan.
- Client fee — flat fee (typically £300–£999) or a percentage.
- Both — most common model.
When to skip the broker
If you’re doing a simple product transfer with your existing lender and the rate is acceptable, you can usually do it online in 15 minutes.