Mortgages

Is It Cheaper to Use a Mortgage Broker

Is It Cheaper to Use a Mortgage Broker? A Complete Guide for Homebuyers in Kent

Will Sharman

Mar 18, 2025

Is It Cheaper to Use a Mortgage Broker

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you'll make, and finding the right mortgage can be overwhelming. If you're wondering “Is it cheaper to use a mortgage broker?” or “Should I go through a bank or a broker?”, you're not alone.

At Mortgage Brokers Near Me, we provide expert mortgage advice in Kent and the Southeast, helping homebuyers and investors secure the best mortgage deals. In this guide, we’ll answer:

Is it free to use a mortgage broker?
What is a reasonable mortgage broker fee?
Which bank is easiest to get a mortgage with in the UK?
When should I speak to a mortgage broker?
At what age should you pay off your mortgage?

Let’s dive in.

What Does a Mortgage Broker Do?

A mortgage broker is a financial expert who helps homebuyers and property investors find the best mortgage deal by:

Comparing lenders to find the lowest interest rates.
Handling paperwork to simplify the application process.
Providing independent advice tailored to your financial situation.
Securing better mortgage rates than those offered directly by banks.

Unlike banks, brokers aren’t tied to one lender, meaning they can find the most competitive deals for you.

Is It Cheaper to Use a Mortgage Broker?

Many homebuyers assume that going directly to a bank is cheaper, but in reality, a mortgage broker can save you money.

Access to exclusive deals – Some mortgage rates are only available through brokers.
Better mortgage rates – Brokers compare multiple lenders, ensuring you get the lowest interest rate.
Lower overall costs – Even if a broker charges a fee, the savings on interest rates often outweigh this cost.

💡 Tip: Some mortgage brokers, including Mortgage Brokers Near Me, offer free mortgage advice, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront.

How Much Is a Mortgage Broker?

The cost of a mortgage broker varies depending on the broker, lender, and mortgage complexity.

Fixed Broker Fee: £300 – £600
Percentage-Based Fee: 0.3% – 1% of the mortgage amount
Free Brokers: Some brokers earn a commission from lenders, making their service completely free to you.

At Mortgage Brokers Near Me, we offer free initial consultations, so you can explore your options without any commitment.

Is It Free to Use a Mortgage Broker?

Yes! Many mortgage brokers provide free mortgage advice, meaning you won’t have to pay unless you proceed with a mortgage application.

Some brokers charge no fees because they receive commissions from lenders.
Others charge a small fee for complex cases, such as bad credit mortgages or self-employed applications.
Free consultations are often available, allowing you to explore your mortgage options at no cost.

If you’re unsure whether a broker charges a fee, always ask upfront.

Should I Go Through a Bank or a Mortgage Broker?

Many homebuyers ask, “Are brokers better than banks for mortgages?” Here’s a quick comparison:

Table Showing whether brokers better than banks for mortgages

While banks may work for straightforward cases, a mortgage broker provides access to better rates, increased approval odds, and expert guidance.

Which Bank Is Easiest to Get a Mortgage With in the UK?

Some banks are more flexible than others when it comes to mortgage approvals.

🏦 Halifax – Ideal for first-time buyers and those with smaller deposits.
🏦 Barclays – Offers strong buy-to-let and first-time buyer mortgage options.
🏦 Nationwide – Good for remortgages and low deposit mortgages.
🏦 NatWest – Has mortgage advisors and flexible lending options.
🏦 HSBC – Competitive rates for professionals and high earners.

A mortgage broker can assess your financial situation and match you with the most suitable lender.

When Should I Speak to a Mortgage Broker?

Before house hunting – Knowing how much you can borrow helps narrow your property search.
Before remortgaging – Brokers can compare the best remortgage deals to save you money.
If you have bad credit – Brokers can find lenders that accept lower credit scores.
If you’re self-employed – Some lenders specialize in mortgages for freelancers and contractors.

Speaking to a broker early saves time, money, and stress when applying for a mortgage.

At What Age Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage?

Many homeowners aim to pay off their mortgage before retirement, but the right age depends on your financial goals.

Being mortgage-free by 55 allows you to focus on retirement savings.
Some choose to keep a mortgage for tax efficiency or investment purposes.
Overpaying your mortgage can reduce interest costs and help you pay it off faster.

If you’re unsure whether being mortgage-free is the best option for you, a mortgage broker can provide tailored advice.

How to Get the Lowest Mortgage Rate

To secure the best mortgage deal, follow these steps:

Improve Your Credit Score – Higher scores lead to lower interest rates.
Increase Your Deposit – A bigger deposit reduces your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, leading to better rates.
Compare Lenders – A mortgage broker can find the lowest available rates.
Consider Fixed Rates – Fixed-rate mortgages lock in a low interest rate for 2-5 years.

A mortgage broker will compare all available options to ensure you get the lowest mortgage rate possible.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Using a Mortgage Broker?

If you’re looking for the best mortgage rates, expert advice, and a hassle-free process, using a mortgage broker in Kent is the best choice.

Find the lowest interest rates
Compare mortgages from 90+ lenders
Get free, expert mortgage advice
Increase your chances of approval

📞 Get in touch today and start your mortgage journey with confidence!

👉 Get Free Mortgage Advice Now

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