Do mortgage brokers charge fees?

Some do, some don't. Fee-free brokers like Lynton Mortgages earn commission from the lender instead. This means you get professional advice and access to a wide panel of lenders without paying a broker fee for standard cases.

Can a mortgage broker get me a better rate than my bank?

Often yes, because brokers have access to deals from dozens of lenders, including some that aren't available direct. They can compare the whole market and find deals your bank simply can't offer you.

What does a mortgage broker actually do?

A mortgage broker assesses your financial situation, searches across multiple lenders to find suitable mortgages, handles the application paperwork, liaises with the lender on your behalf, and supports you through to completion. They do the legwork so you don't have to.

Is it quicker to go direct to my bank for a mortgage?

Not necessarily. Banks still have processing times and you'll need to do your own research and paperwork. A broker can often speed things up because they know which lenders are processing fastest and can prepare your application properly first time.

Are estate agent mortgage advisers the same as independent brokers?

No. Estate agent in-house advisers typically have a more limited panel of lenders and often charge fees of £500 or more. An independent or whole-of-market broker searches a much wider range of lenders and may charge less or nothing at all.

Should I Use a Mortgage Broker or Go Direct to My Bank?

Q: Should I use a mortgage broker or go direct to my bank?

It depends on your situation. A mortgage broker searches across many lenders to find the best deal for you, while your bank can only offer their own products. For most people, a broker provides better choice and often finds lower rates. However, if your bank is offering a competitive deal and you have a straightforward situation, going direct can work too.

It's one of the first questions people ask — and the honest answer is that both can work. Here's what actually happens with each option, so you can decide what's right for you.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

The short answer

For most people, using a mortgage broker gives you more choice and better support through the process. But if your bank is offering a competitive deal and your situation is straightforward, going direct can work perfectly well too. There's no single right answer — it depends on your circumstances.

Using a Mortgage Broker

Searches across dozens of lenders
Access to deals not available direct
Handles all the paperwork for you
Chases the lender on your behalf
Knows which lenders suit your situation
Often fee-free for standard cases
Supports you from start to completion

Best for: First-time buyers, complex situations, people who want someone to handle the process, anyone who wants to compare the whole market.

Going Direct to Your Bank

Only offers their own products
You do the research yourself
You handle the paperwork
May have loyalty deals for existing customers
Familiar brand you already bank with
No broker fee (but may not be cheapest overall)
Limited support through the process

Best for: Simple remortgages with your existing lender, people who've already done thorough research, straightforward situations with good credit.

What most people don't realise

Your bank can only offer you their own deals

When you walk into your bank, they'll search their own product range — and only their own. A broker searches across 50, 60, sometimes 90+ lenders. That's the difference between looking at one shelf in one shop versus comparing every shop on the high street.

Some of the best rates aren't available direct

Several lenders only sell through brokers — they don't have branches or direct-to-consumer websites. These "intermediary-only" lenders often have some of the most competitive rates because they save money by not running a branch network.

Estate agent advisers aren't the same as independent brokers

The mortgage adviser sitting in the estate agent's office typically works for a company that's tied to a smaller panel of lenders. They often charge fees of £500 or more. An independent broker searches a wider market and may charge less — or nothing at all for standard cases.

It's not just about the rate

The cheapest rate isn't always the best deal. A broker looks at the full picture: arrangement fees, early repayment charges, cashback offers, and whether the lender's criteria actually fit your situation. Sometimes a slightly higher rate with lower fees saves you money overall.

When going direct to your bank makes sense

I'm not going to pretend a broker is always the answer. There are situations where going direct works well:

You're remortgaging and your current lender is offering a competitive product switch — no new application needed, minimal paperwork
You have a very straightforward situation (employed, good credit, standard property) and you've already compared rates yourself
Your bank has a genuine loyalty deal that isn't available through brokers
You prefer to manage everything yourself and you're confident navigating the process

Even in these situations, it's worth getting a broker to check what else is available — a quick comparison costs you nothing and might save you thousands over the term.

When a broker is the better choice

You're a first-time buyer and you're not sure where to start
You're self-employed or have variable income
You want someone to handle the paperwork and chase things up
You want to compare deals across the whole market, not just one bank
Your situation is a bit unusual — gifted deposit, shared ownership, right to buy
You want clear, jargon-free advice from someone who's on your side
You'd rather spend your time on other things and let someone else do the legwork

Not sure which route is right for you?

Have a quick, no-pressure chat with Rob. He'll give you an honest answer about whether a broker adds value in your situation — and if going direct makes more sense, he'll tell you that too.

*Fee-free for standard cases. A fee of £345 may apply for complex cases — always discussed upfront.

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