If you’re searching for a mortgage broker you can trust, you’re not alone. Choosing someone to guide you through a mortgage can feel like a big decision – because it is.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right questions and a bit of know-how, finding the right support can be surprisingly straightforward.
If you’re wondering how to find a mortgage advisor, or whether you even need one at all, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through what to look for, what to ask, and how to spot advice that genuinely puts you first.
What is a mortgage broker and why might you need one?
A mortgage broker (sometimes called a mortgage adviser) helps you find a mortgage that fits your situation, and can support you through the application process.
In practical terms, a broker:
- asks questions about your income, deposit, and outgoings
- explains what different mortgage options mean in real life
- helps you compare deals you’re likely to be eligible for
- guides you through the paperwork and next steps
What they can’t do is guarantee a lender will approve your mortgage. The final decision always sits with the lender.
People often look for a broker when they’re buying their first home, moving home, remortgaging, or dealing with a more unusual financial setup.
You can also apply directly to a bank or building society yourself. The main difference is that a lender’s adviser can usually only talk you through that lender’s products, while a broker may be able to compare a wider range of options.
If you’re still getting comfortable with the basics, it can help to read a simple overview of how mortgages work before you start comparing deals.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Mortgage advice depends on your individual circumstances, and eligibility and outcomes aren’t guaranteed.
If you’re unsure what kind of help makes sense at your stage, you can also explore how Habito can help without committing to anything.
Habito is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 714187).
Mortgage advice depends on your individual circumstances, and eligibility and outcomes aren’t guaranteed
Tips on how to choose a mortgage broker
If you’re wondering how to choose a mortgage broker, it helps to focus less on finding “the best one” and more on finding clarity and confidence in the advice you’re getting.
You can use the tips below as a simple way to sense-check whether a broker is right for you – especially if you’re trying to work out how to find a good mortgage broker rather than just the first one available.
1. Look for an independent mortgage broker who isn't tied to specific lenders
Not all mortgage brokers work in the same way, and the difference matters.
Broadly, advisers fall into three categories:
- Tied advisers, who can only recommend mortgages from a single lender or lender group (often a bank or building society).
- Restricted or panel advisers, who choose from a limited group of lenders
- Whole-of-market advisers, who can access a much wider range of lenders
A whole-of-market broker can usually compare more options, which can be helpful if your situation isn’t straightforward. That said, it’s worth knowing that even whole-of-market access may not include absolutely every lender – some deals are only available if you apply directly.
A useful question to ask is: Are you a whole-of-market or restricted adviser, and what does that mean in practice for me?
If you want a deeper explanation of how independent brokers work, this guide to independent mortgage advice breaks it down in plain English.
2. Ask about all fees and commissions
Understanding how a broker is paid is a key part of building trust.
Before you go any further, ask:
- Do you charge me a fee for your advice?
- Are you paid commission by the lender?
- When would I need to pay, and what happens if the mortgage doesn’t complete?
Some brokers charge customers directly, while others don’t charge a fee and instead earn commission from the lender. If a broker describes their service as “fee-free”, make sure it’s clear what that applies to – mortgage products themselves can still include lender fees and other costs.
The important thing is transparency. You should feel comfortable that you understand what you’re paying for, and when.
3. Decide between online brokers and in-person advisors
Mortgage advice doesn’t always have to happen face-to-face.
- Online brokers can offer convenience, digital document uploads, and flexible appointment times
- In-person advisers can suit people who prefer longer conversations or have more complex circumstances
- Hybrid models combine online tools with access to a real adviser when needed
There’s no universally “better” option here. What matters is whether you can get clear answers, timely updates, and support if something unexpected comes up during the application process.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
4. Check their qualifications and regulatory status
Any mortgage broker giving advice in the UK must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This isn’t just a formality – it means there are rules they have to follow around suitability, transparency, and treating customers fairly.
A simple way to check this is to:
- ask for the firm name and FCA registration number
- look them up on the FCA’s Financial Services Register
Being authorised and regulated means there are protections in place if something goes wrong, including the right to complain and escalate concerns through the appropriate channels.
Many brokers also hold professional qualifications related to mortgage advice. You don’t need to memorise acronyms – what matters most is that they can clearly explain their role, their scope, and the standards they’re held to.
5. Look for positive reviews and referrals
Reviews and recommendations can give you useful insight into what it’s actually like to work with a broker.
When you’re reading reviews or asking for referrals, look beyond star ratings and focus on patterns, such as:
- whether people felt kept informed
- how clearly things were explained
- how the broker handled delays or complications
It’s usually a good idea to check more than one source, and to read a mix of recent feedback. No broker will have a perfect record, but consistent themes can tell you a lot about how they work.
6. Pay attention to how they communicate with you
The way a broker communicates early on is often a good indicator of how the rest of the process will feel.
Positive signs include:
- taking time to understand your situation before recommending anything
- explaining trade-offs, not just features
- setting out next steps clearly and in writing
Things to be cautious of include:
- pressure to move forward before you feel ready
- vague answers about fees or scope of service
- recommendations that come before a clear discussion of your circumstances
Good communication isn’t about speed – it’s about clarity and feeling supported through each stage.
7. Find a broker who understands your unique needs
Different situations can come with different lending criteria, so it’s worth checking whether a broker regularly works with people like you.
This might include:
- first-time buyers
- people moving home or remortgaging
- self-employed applicants
- those with past credit issues
A broker can’t change a lender’s rules, but someone familiar with similar cases may help you understand which options are realistic and which applications are worth pursuing.
If you’re unsure which mortgage broker is right for you, it’s okay to speak to more than one before deciding. A short initial conversation can tell you a lot about whether someone is a good fit.
Final tips for choosing a mortgage broker
If you’re still weighing things up, a few final points can help bring everything together.
- Focus on understanding, not pressure. You should feel clearer after each conversation, not rushed.
- Don’t be afraid to compare. Speaking to more than one broker can help you decide who you trust most.
- Be upfront about your situation. The more accurate the information you share, the more useful the guidance will be.
- If you’re unsure which mortgage broker is right for you, go back to the basics: independence, transparency, and communication usually matter more than anything else.
For many people, this all comes down to – getting informed guidance, reducing uncertainty, and understanding your options before committing to a long-term decision.
If you’d like to see how this kind of support works in practice, you can learn more about what a mortgage broker does – and whether it’s right for you – here: What does a mortgage broker do?
Because a mortgage is secured against your home, it’s important to understand the risks as well as the benefits.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mortgage broker a financial advisor?
A mortgage broker is a type of financial adviser, but with a specific focus. They specialise in mortgages and home loans, rather than offering advice across pensions, investments, or tax planning.
An independent financial adviser usually covers a much wider range of financial products. A mortgage broker’s role is narrower, but deeper, when it comes to lending and mortgage criteria.
Do you need a mortgage broker?
No – you don’t have to use one. You can apply directly to a lender yourself if you’re comfortable doing your own research.
That said, many people choose to work with a broker because they want help understanding their options, checking eligibility, and navigating the application process with fewer unknowns.
Are mortgage brokers worth it?
Mortgage brokers can be worth it if you value clear explanations and support that is tailored to your situation.
They can’t guarantee approval or outcomes, but good advice may help you avoid applying for mortgages that aren’t suitable and make the process easier to manage – especially if your circumstances aren’t straightforward.
