Choosing a mortgage broker doesn’t have to be a headache. Ask a few smart questions early on, and you can avoid confusion, wasted time, and surprises later down the line. Easy peasy.
If you’re new to the process, it can also help to understand what a mortgage broker does and how they support you through buying a home before you get into the details. We’ve broken that down clearly here if you want a quick refresher.
At Habito, we’re a UK mortgage broker authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Key questions to ask your mortgage broker
If you’re trying to work out what to ask a mortgage broker before committing, you’re in the right place. These are the key questions to ask a mortgage broker to help you understand how they work, what support you’ll actually get, and whether their advice genuinely fits your situation.
You don’t need to treat this like an interrogation. Think of it as a useful framework – a set of questions to ask your mortgage broker to help you feel confident you’re making the right call. A good broker will welcome these questions and explain things clearly, without jargon or pressure.
1. What qualifications do you have as a mortgage broker?
This question checks whether your broker has the training needed to give mortgage advice in the UK.
Most mortgage brokers hold (or are working towards) a recognised qualification such as CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice) or an equivalent qualification. If someone is still in training, they should be working under supervision within an FCA-authorised firm’s competency framework.
A solid answer should be simple and specific. You should expect them to explain:
- which qualification they hold
- when they qualified
- what type of advice they’re authorised to give
You’re not testing them – you’re making sure the advice you receive is coming from someone properly trained, and able to explain that clearly.
2. Are you regulated?
This question is about your protection if something goes wrong.
In the UK, mortgage brokers must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), or work as an appointed representative of an FCA-authorised firm. This isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement.
Being FCA-regulated means your broker must:
- act in your best interests
- recommend mortgages that are suitable for your situation
- explain their advice in a fair, clear way
It also gives you a safety net. If you ever receive poor advice, there are formal complaints routes and consumer protections in place – you’re not left on your own.
If you want a deeper look at how regulation fits into genuinely independent advice, read this guide on how independent mortgage advice works.
3. How do you charge for your services?
This question is about transparency. You should know what you’ll pay, when you’ll pay it, and who your broker is being paid by.
In the UK, mortgage brokers usually charge in one of three ways:
- Commission-based: the broker is paid by the lender once your mortgage completes, and you don’t pay a fee directly.
- Fee-based: the broker charges you a fixed fee or a percentage of what you’re borrowing.
- A mix of both: most mortgage brokers receive commission from the lender, and some also charge customers a fee for their service.
None of these models are automatically right or wrong. What matters is that everything is explained clearly, before you agree to go ahead.
A good broker should be upfront about:
- whether you’ll pay anything yourself
- how much it will be, and when it’s due
- whether the fee is refundable if the mortgage doesn’t complete
- whether charges apply again if you remortgage
You shouldn’t have to chase this information or discover it later. If costs feel unclear, it’s reasonable to pause and ask for clarity.
If you want a deeper look at how broker fees work in practice, this article on how much a mortgage broker costs explains what’s typical in the UK.
4. Could you walk me through the services you offer?
This question is about support – what your broker will actually do for you, and how hands-on they’ll be throughout the process.
A good mortgage broker does more than find a deal. They should guide you through the journey and handle much of the admin along the way. That usually includes:
- talking through your income, deposit and outgoings
- explaining mortgage options in plain language
- helping you understand what’s realistic for your situation
- preparing and submitting your application
- chasing the lender and keeping things moving
The key thing to listen for is clarity. You should leave the conversation knowing what they’ll take care of, what they’ll need from you, and what happens next. No “we’ll get to that later”. A solid answer here should make it clear you’ll have guidance throughout.
If you want a broader view of how the mortgage process works from start to finish, we’ve got all key facts here.
5. How many lenders do you have access to?
This question is about choice – and whether your broker can genuinely look beyond a narrow set of options.
Some brokers are tied to one lender or a small panel. Others are whole-of-market, meaning they can search across a much wider range of lenders and mortgage products. The broader the access, the more likely it is that your broker can compare different approaches and find something that suits your situation.Even ‘whole-of-market’ brokers can’t access every mortgage available. Some lenders only offer deals directly to customers, and others don’t work with all brokers.
That said, more options only help if they’re relevant. A good broker should explain:
- whether they’re whole-of-market or restricted to a panel, and what that means in practice
- how wide that panel is in practice
- how they narrow choices down to deals that actually work for you
You’re not listening for big numbers or buzzwords here. You’re listening for a clear explanation of how they search the market – and how confident you can be that the options you’re shown aren’t just the easiest ones to recommend.
6. What documents will I need to start the mortgage process?
This question is about preparation – knowing what to have ready so things can move quickly once you decide to apply.
Most mortgage applications in the UK ask for a similar set of documents. While exact requirements vary by lender and situation, you’ll usually need:
- proof of ID (passport or driving licence)
- proof of address (such as a recent bill or bank statement)
- proof of income (payslips or accounts if you’re self-employed)
- bank statements, typically from the last few months
- evidence of your deposit
If your income is more complex or you’re buying with someone else, you may be asked for extra paperwork. A good broker should flag this early, so you’re not caught out later.
Having these documents ready can save time and reduce stress – especially once an offer is accepted and timelines start to matter.
If you want a clear checklist you can work through in advance, we’ve outlined the documents you’ll usually need for a mortgage application here.
7. How much can I borrow based on my situation?
This question is about affordability – what you can realistically borrow, not just the maximum a lender might offer.
The amount you can borrow depends on factors like your income, outgoings, existing debts, deposit and credit history. Lenders look at these together, and different lenders can come to different conclusions.
A good broker should explain:
- how affordability is assessed
- the range you’re likely to be offered
- anything that could limit your options
This isn’t about stretching to the top number. It’s worth asking what feels comfortable month to month, not only what’s technically possible.
A broker can give you a realistic range, but the final amount will always depend on a lender’s full checks.
If you want a rough starting point, a mortgage calculator can help you estimate what lenders might offer before speaking to a broker.
8. What’s the interest rate and will it change?
This question is about predictability – whether your repayments will stay the same or could change over time.
Some mortgages have a fixed rate, where your rate and monthly payments stay the same for a set period. Others are variable, meaning the rate can change during the life of the deal.
If your rate is variable, your monthly payments can increase as well as decrease, which could affect your ability to keep up with repayments.
A good broker should explain:
- the current rate
- how long it lasts
- what happens when it ends
- whether your payments could change
The aim is to understand how steady your monthly payments will be. If your mortgage has a variable rate, your monthly payments could go up or down.
If you want more detail on how different deals work, this guide to the types of mortgages explains the options in detail.
9. Are there any restrictions on my mortgage?
This question is about flexibility – how easily your mortgage can adapt if your plans change.
Some deals come with conditions that affect what you can do during the fixed or introductory period. A good broker should clearly explain:
- whether there are early repayment charges
- how much you’re allowed to overpay each year
- whether you can move the mortgage to a new home
- any limits on renting the property out
You don’t need every clause read out loud. But you should understand where the limits are – and what might cost you extra later on.
If early repayment charges apply, you may have to pay a fee if you switch or repay your mortgage before the agreed term ends.
10. Can you help with other aspects of the home-buying process?
This question checks how joined-up the support is – not just whether a broker can arrange a mortgage, but whether they can guide you through what comes next.
Some brokers focus only on the mortgage itself. Others can also:
- explain what insurance you may need as a homeowner
- talk through protection alongside your mortgage
- help you understand next steps after your offer is accepted
What matters most is clarity. A good broker should be upfront about:
- what extra help they do (and don’t) provide
- whether any recommendations come with additional costs
- whether they’re paid for introducing other products
Most importantly, support should feel informative, not sales-driven.
If you want context on why protection often comes up in these conversations, check out this article.
How to find a good mortgage broker
Finding the right broker is all about how confident you feel after speaking to them.
As a quick sense check, a good mortgage broker should be:
- authorised and regulated in the UK
- clear about how they’re paid
- able to explain things in plain English
- open about the lenders they can access
- easy to get hold of
You’re not just choosing a product – you’re choosing guidance for a big financial decision.
Taking the time to choose well at the start can make the rest of the process feel much calmer.
Final tips for asking the right questions
By asking the right questions you make sure to understand what’s being recommended – and why it makes sense for you.
A few things to keep in mind:
- If answers feel rushed or unclear, it’s OK to pause and ask for things to be explained again.
- Clarity matters more than speed. A good broker won’t mind slowing down.
- Focus on suitability, not just numbers. The right mortgage fits your life, not just your budget on paper.
If you want support with taking the next step, you can explore your options here.
Mortgages are a long-term commitment, and they come with responsibilities as well as support.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Frequently asked questions
Are mortgage brokers and mortgage advisers the same thing?
In the UK, the terms are often used interchangeably. If you’re wondering what to ask a mortgage advisor, the same principles apply. What matters more than the job title is whether they’re qualified, regulated, and clear about how they work. These mortgage advisor questions are designed to help you check exactly that.
Do mortgage brokers have access to deals I can’t get myself?
Sometimes, yes. Some lenders may offer rates through brokers that aren’t available directly. More importantly, a broker can help you understand which deals you’re actually eligible for, rather than just what looks good in a comparison table.
Should I speak to a broker before viewing homes?
Yes, speaking to a broker before you start viewing homes can be helpful.
Many people choose to get a mortgage in principle early on, as it gives you a clearer idea of what you can realistically afford and can make your offers feel more credible to estate agents.
It’s worth knowing that a mortgage in principle isn’t a guarantee of a final mortgage offer, but it can be a useful first step before you start seriously house-hunting.
Will speaking to a broker affect my credit score?
An initial conversation won’t. Brokers can usually talk through your options without running a credit check. A credit search typically only happens later, when you apply for a specific mortgage – and you should always be told before that happens.
Is it better to use a broker recommended by an estate agent?
Not necessarily. It can be convenient, but you should still ask the same questions and make sure you’re comfortable with their advice, fees, and lender access. You’re free to choose the broker that feels right for you.
