Do I need a mortgage broker?
You need a mortgage broker most when your case is non-standard: self-employed or complex income, a small deposit, adverse credit, a new job, buy-to-let, or a previous decline. In those cases the choice of lender decides the outcome and a broker earns their keep. If you are employed with a healthy deposit and clean credit, you fit most lenders, so going direct is also fine, and a broker is optional convenience.
When a broker genuinely earns their keep
- Self-employed or complex income, where lenders read income very differently.
- A small deposit, where lender choice and pricing get sensitive.
- Adverse credit, where specialist lenders matter.
- Buy-to-let, portfolios, HMOs and other specialist property.
- A previous decline, where another application could leave a further footprint.
When going direct is reasonable
If you are employed on a stable salary, have a deposit of 15% or more, and a clean credit record, you fit the criteria of most lenders. In that case applying directly to a competitive lender is a fine choice, and a broker becomes a convenience rather than a necessity. The more standard you are, the less the lender choice changes the answer.
What a broker actually does for you
Beyond finding a rate, a good broker picks the lender most likely to say yes to your specific case, packages the application so it underwrites smoothly, handles the lender chasing, and gives you a regulated recommendation you have recourse on. On a tricky case that can be the difference between an offer and a decline. A regulated mortgage broker can advise you; we do not.
Common questions
When do I really need a broker?
Whenever your case is non-standard: self-employed or complex income, a small deposit, adverse credit, a new job, buy-to-let, or a previous decline. In these cases the choice of lender decides the outcome, and a broker who knows the market avoids a wasted application and a credit footprint.
When can I skip a broker?
If you are employed with a steady salary, a healthy deposit and a clean credit file, you fit most lenders, so applying direct to a competitive lender can be perfectly sensible. You may still use a broker for convenience, but you are not relying on one to find a lender that will say yes.
Will a broker get me a better rate?
Sometimes, by comparing the market, and sometimes the bigger benefit is simply getting an approval at all on a tricky case. A broker also handles the paperwork and chases the lender, which saves time and stress even when the rate is similar.
Does it cost me to use a broker?
Using this site is free, and we do not pass enquiries to brokers. A broker you choose may charge a fee or be paid by the lender, and they must tell you which before you commit. A regulated mortgage broker can advise you; we do not.
Compare the routes on broker vs going direct.
Founder, MortgageExplained
Adam spent over eight years as a mortgage adviser at Just Mortgages, with further experience in commercial finance. He is CeMAP and CF qualified. He built MortgageExplained to do one thing well: explain mortgages in plain English, so you know where you stand before you speak to a regulated broker. Every page on the site is written by Adam.
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