Is It Cheaper to Use a Mortgage Broker? A Complete Guide for Homebuyers in Kent
Mar 18, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
“A good mortgage broker doesn’t just find you a deal — they save you hours of paperwork, weeks of waiting, and thousands over the term.”
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.
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.
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.
Many homebuyers ask, “Are brokers better than banks for mortgages?” Here’s a quick comparison above.
While banks may work for straightforward cases, a mortgage broker provides access to better rates, increased approval odds, and expert guidance.
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.
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.
“Comparison sites show you options. Mortgage brokers show you what’s right for you — based on your goals, not just the rates.”
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!
If you are moving home, you may be able to take your mortgage with you, but it is not guaranteed. Most UK mortgages are portable, however you still have to reapply, meet current lending rules, and get the lender’s approval. Porting keeps your existing rate, but extra borrowing usually goes on a new deal and early repayment charges can still apply in some cases. Before deciding, compare porting against switching mortgages, as changing lender can sometimes be cheaper and simpler long term.
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Explore whether it’s possible (or smart) to include your existing debts in a new mortgage. Learn what options are available to first-time buyers vs current homeowners, what lenders consider, and whether remortgaging for debt makes sense for you.
Read Article
If you’re a council tenant wondering whether you need a deposit to buy your home, the answer is often no. With the Right to Buy scheme, many lenders allow the council discount to be used as your deposit, meaning you can purchase your property without putting down cash savings. While affordability, credit history, and property type still matter, the right advice can make the difference between thinking homeownership is out of reach and actually making it happen.
Read ArticleIf you’re buying, moving, or remortgaging, speak with a MBNM adviser and get clear guidance on what’s realistically available to you, before you commit to anything.
Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it.
Mortgage Brokers Near Me LTD is an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage LTD which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The guidance and/or information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Will Writing and some forms of Trusts and Buy to Lets. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.
Mortgage Brokers Near Me LTD are registered in England and Wales with company number 15189091.
C/O The Financial Management Centre, Meads Business Centre, 19 Kingsmead, Farnborough, England, GU14 7SR
