Mortgage

Mortgage Broker vs Bank – What Gets You the Better Deal in 2025?

Considering a remortgage in 2025? This guide breaks down fixed vs tracker mortgages in plain English - with real examples, expert advice, and a clear path to choosing the right deal for your situation.

Will Sharman

Jun 30, 2025

Flat-style digital illustration comparing a bank and a mortgage broker in 2025, with icons of a traditional bank building on one side and a smiling advisor with paperwork on the other, representing choice and better mortgage deals.

What’s the Difference Between a Mortgage Broker and a Bank?

When it comes to getting a mortgage in 2025, most people are asking:
“Should I go direct to a bank or use a mortgage broker?”
And more importantly:
“Which one will actually get me the best deal?”

In this guide, we’ll break it down simply. Just real answers from years of experience helping people like you at Mortgage Brokers Near Me.

A Bank (Direct Lender)

A bank offers you mortgage products from their own internal range. That means:

  • They’ll only show you their deals (not the whole market)
  • You’ll apply and deal with them directly
  • Advice may be limited to what they can offer

A Mortgage Broker/Advisor (Intermediary)

A broker works across many lenders to find the best deal for your situation. Brokers:

  • Compare products from multiple banks and lenders
  • Help you apply, chase the lender, and explain everything
  • Often have access to deals not shown publicly

Which Option Is Right for You?

If you’re self-employed or have a complex income

Use a broker. Most banks have strict criteria and may reject applications that don’t fit a perfect mould. Brokers know which lenders are flexible.

If you’re a first-time buyer with a low deposit

Use a broker. They can access specialist lenders with better 90–95% LTV options.

If your situation is simple and you bank with someone you trust

Try your bank too. It’s worth checking what they can offer just don’t stop there.

If you want personalised advice

Go broker. Banks sell their own deals. Brokers give tailored guidance based on your goals, not just their product list.

"We speak to clients every week who’ve gone straight to their bank, been declined, and didn’t realise there were better options out there. A broker’s job isn’t to sell it’s to guide you to what actually works for your situation."

Cost, Time & Access - The Real Differences

Are brokers more expensive?

Not always. Some are free (paid by the lender), while others charge a fee.
But often, brokers can still save you more money than you'd pay in fees.

At Mortgage Brokers Near Me, we’ll tell you upfront if it’s worth it or not.

Who saves you more time?

Banks = more admin on you.
Brokers = one conversation → 30+ lender comparisons handled for you.

Who gives you more access?

Banks = 1 lender’s deals

Brokers = 30–100+ lenders, including broker-only products

Real Client Stories

Case Study: Self-Employed Electrician

Tom came to us after being declined by his bank due to inconsistent income.
We matched him with a specialist lender who approved his mortgage at 85% LTV with a competitive fixed rate saving him the stress of applying again and risking his credit score.

Case Study: Teacher with Low Deposit

Emily had a 5% deposit and was told by her bank that she’d need to wait longer.
We secured her a mortgage with a broker-only lender who accepted her on the same day not

What Can Go Wrong If You Go Straight to a Bank?

  • You get declined for not fitting their criteria
  • You miss out on better deals from other lenders
  • You end up on the Standard Variable Rate (SVR) without realising
  • You do all the chasing between lender, solicitor, and estate agent
  • You get generic advice that may not match your situation
Illustration infographic comparing the pros and cons of using a mortgage broker versus going direct to a bank, with icons representing advice, deals, paperwork, and approvals.

Pros and Cons: Mortgage Broker vs Bank

Going Direct to a Bank

Pros:

  • You already bank there, so it feels familiar
  • Sometimes exclusive loyalty offers
  • Fewer parties involved

Cons:

  • Limited to that bank’s products only
  • Declines are more common for self-employed or complex cases
  • You may not get the most competitive rate

Using a Mortgage Broker

Pros:

  • Access to dozens of lenders including broker-only deals
  • Expert advice, paperwork support, and faster approvals
  • More flexibility for unique income or credit situations
  • Real people who can explain what works and why

Cons:

  • Some brokers charge fees (we’ll always tell you upfront if we do)
  • Slightly longer process in rare cases due to extra market checks

FAQs – Mortgage Brokers vs Banks

Q: Do mortgage brokers get better deals?

A: Often, yes. They can access exclusive or specialist rates that banks don’t offer direct.

Q: Are brokers regulated?

A: Yes. UK mortgage brokers are regulated by the FCA and legally must act in your best interest.

Q: Is it more expensive to use a broker?

A: Not always. Many are free, or their fee is offset by a better deal. We’ll tell you upfront.

Q: Can a broker help if I’ve been declined by a bank?

A: Absolutely. It’s one of the most common reasons people come to us.

How Mortgage Brokers Near Me Can Help

At Mortgage Brokers Near Me, we:

  • Search the whole market (not just one lender)
  • Advise you based on your income, goals, and credit profile
  • Handle all paperwork, forms, and lender comms

Will Sharman has over 10 years of experience helping buyers, self-employed clients, and remortgagers find the right deal even in complex or urgent situations.

Illustration showing a friendly mortgage advisor helping a couple review mortgage options on a tablet, representing how Mortgage Brokers Near Me provides personalised guidance and support.
"I thought my bank would give me the best deal because I’ve been with them for years but Will found me a better rate with another lender and handled everything start to finish."

Ready to See What’s Actually Available to You?

Whether you’re comparing deals, remortgaging, or buying your first home we’ll help you find out what you really qualify for, not just what a bank tells you.

Book a free call now with Will or one of our brokers we’ll do the legwork, show you your best options, and help you move forward with confidence.

Other Articles

Is It Cheaper to Use a Mortgage Broker in Manchester?

Keys in hand

Is It Cheaper to Use a Mortgage Broker in Manchester?

Read Article

Is Using a Mortgage Broker Worth It in Essex

Is Using a Mortgage Broker Worth It? A Complete Guide for Homebuyers in Essex

Read Article

Can You Get a Mortgage on a 0 Hour Contract?

Man Holding Payslip

Yes, getting a mortgage on a zero hour contract is possible. It just takes the right guidance and lender. This blog explains what you need to qualify, how lenders view flexible income, what deposit you’ll need, and how Mortgage Broker Near Me can help you secure the best deal, even if you're self-employed, have bad credit, or work in a non-traditional role.

Read Article
Chat on WhatsApp logo

Get In Touch We’d love to hear from you!

Contact details

Reach out to us directly via email or phone—we’re here to assist you with any inquiries.

Phone
0203 4884 491

Follow us on social media

Stay connected and see our latest events, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Chat IconX icon to exit
Start a conversation
What channel do you prefer?
Send a message
How can we help?
We usually reply within 24-hours.
Thank you!

Your message has been sent!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Use this window to start new conversations.