Expert mortgage advice.
No broker fee.*
For most first-time buyers and people remortgaging, my advice is fee-free. Here's how it works, when a fee might apply, and why I choose this model.
*Fee-free for standard cases. A fee of £345 may apply for complex cases — always disclosed upfront.
The honest truth about mortgage broker fees
Hi, I'm Rob. I run Lynton Mortgages from Alsager, and I help first-time buyers and people remortgaging across Cheshire.
One of the first questions people ask me is: "How much do you charge?" And I completely understand why. When you're buying your first home or remortgaging, every pound matters. The last thing you need is a surprise bill from your mortgage broker.
So let me be upfront: for the vast majority of my clients, my advice is fee-free. No hidden costs, no small print, no invoice at the end.
Important information: Fee-free advice applies to standard mortgage cases, including most first-time buyer purchases, remortgages, and home moves. A fixed fee of £345 may apply where a case involves significantly more work, such as complex income structures or unusual property types. Any applicable fee will always be disclosed and agreed in writing before any work begins. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
But I also want to be honest with you — because that's kind of my thing. There are some situations where a fee does apply, and I think it's important you understand the full picture before we start. So let me explain exactly how it all works.
How fee-free mortgage advice works
It's simpler than you might think. Here's the short version.
You come to me for advice
You tell me about your situation — what you're looking for, what you can afford, and what matters to you. I search a comprehensive panel of lenders to find a mortgage that suits your needs.
I arrange your mortgage
Once we've found the right deal, I handle the application, chase the lender, deal with the paperwork, and keep you updated every step of the way until completion.
The lender pays me
When your mortgage completes, the lender pays me a commission (called a procuration fee). This is standard across the industry. It doesn't affect your rate — the lender pays the same whether I charge you a fee or not.
That's it. You get expert advice, I get paid by the lender, and for standard cases you don't pay a broker fee. It's a model that works for everyone.
When does a fee apply?
I believe in being completely transparent. Here's the full picture.
Fee-free
The majority of my clients pay no broker fee at all.
- First-time buyers with straightforward circumstances
- Remortgages (switching to a new deal)
- Home movers with standard income and circumstances
- Product transfers (staying with your current lender)
£345 fixed fee
A small number of cases involve significantly more work.
- Complex income structures that need extra research
- Unusual property types requiring specialist lenders
- Cases that require significantly more time and research
Important: I will always tell you upfront if a fee applies — before we start any work. You'll never be surprised by a bill. And even at £345, this is typically far less than what many other brokers and estate agent advisors charge.
How does this compare?
Not all mortgage advice costs the same. Here's a realistic comparison.
| Type of Advisor | Typical Fee | Lender Panel | Independence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lynton Mortgages | £0 (standard cases)* | Comprehensive panel | Independent — you choose your own broker |
| Estate agent's in-house advisor | £500 – £1,000+ | Often limited | Referred by the estate agent |
| High street bank | Usually £0 | Their products only | Limited to their own products |
| Fee-charging broker | £500 – £2,000+ | Varies | Varies |
*A fixed fee of £345 may apply for complex cases. Always disclosed upfront before any work begins.
Why I choose to work this way
I could charge a fee. Plenty of brokers do, and there's nothing wrong with that. But I made a deliberate choice not to — at least for standard cases — because I think it removes a barrier.
When someone is buying their first home, they're already dealing with deposits, solicitors' fees, surveys, and stamp duty. The last thing they need is another bill. I want people to feel comfortable picking up the phone and asking for help, without worrying about what it's going to cost them.
The lender commission model means I can offer genuinely independent advice, search a comprehensive panel of lenders, and still earn a fair living. It works for my clients, and it works for me.
You don't have to use the estate agent's mortgage advisor
This is something a lot of first-time buyers don't realise. When an estate agent shows you a property, they'll often suggest you speak to "their" mortgage advisor. It can feel like it's part of the process, or even a requirement.
It isn't. You are completely free to choose your own mortgage broker. The estate agent cannot make it a condition of your offer, and they cannot refuse to deal with you because you've chosen someone else.
Estate agents' in-house advisors often charge fees of £500 or more, and they may have a more limited range of lenders. By choosing an independent broker like me, you could save money on fees and get access to a wider range of mortgage deals.
My promise to you
- I'll always tell you upfront if a fee applies
- I'm independent of any estate agent
- I search a comprehensive panel of lenders
- No pressure, no jargon, just clear advice
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to get started?
Whether you're buying your first home or remortgaging, I'd love to help. Drop me a message and I'll get back to you for a no-obligation chat.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Lynton Mortgages is a trading name of Robert Gillespie, who is an appointed representative of Just Mortgages Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Fee-free advice is available for standard mortgage cases. A fixed fee of £345 may be charged for cases involving significantly more work, such as complex income structures or unusual property types. Any applicable fee will always be disclosed and agreed in writing before any work begins. The fee does not apply to the majority of first-time buyer and remortgage cases.
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