Is It Better to Use a Mortgage Broker or Go Directly to the Bank?

Liam Drummond
Apr 17, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 22, 2025

Three people converse happily indoors. A man shows papers to a smiling woman and man in a plaid shirt. Bright room with curtains and laptop.

If you’re buying a home or remortgaging, one of the first questions people often ask is whether it’s better to use a mortgage broker or go straight to a bank. There’s no pressure either way, but for many buyers, using a broker can make the process simpler, clearer, and less stressful.

Rather than trying to compare mortgage deals on your own, a broker helps you understand what’s available, what’s realistic, and which options actually suit your situation.

What Does a Mortgage Broker Actually Do?

A mortgage broker looks at your full circumstances and helps you find a mortgage that fits. That includes understanding your income, deposit, credit history, future plans, and how long you expect to stay in the property.

Instead of recommending one lender, a whole of market broker compares mortgages from a wide range of banks and building societies. They then guide you through the application, paperwork, and communication with the lende,r all the way to completion.

Access to More Mortgage Options

When you go directly to a bank, you only see that bank’s products. A mortgage broker can compare deals from multiple lenders, including high street banks, online lenders, and specialist providers.

This wider access often means more choice and, in many cases, better overall value. It also reduces the risk of applying to a lender that is unlikely to accept your application.

Saving Time and Avoiding Stress

Applying for a mortgage can be time-consuming. There is paperwork to organise, criteria to understand, and deadlines to manage.

A mortgage broker helps by handling much of this on your behalf. They know what documents lenders will need and how to present them correctly, which helps avoid delays and unnecessary back and forth.

For many buyers, this support makes the entire process feel far more manageable.

Helping You Avoid the Wrong Lender

Every lender has different rules. Some are better for first-time buyers, some are more flexible with self-employed income, and others are more suitable for buy-to-let properties.

A broker understands these differences and helps match you with the right lenderthe first time. This means fewer declined applications and a smoother journey overall.

Is Using a Mortgage Broker More Expensive?

This is a common concern. In many cases, using a mortgage broker costs no more than going directly to a bank. Some brokers charge a fee, while the lender pays others.

What matters most is the value of the advice. A broker can often save money by finding a more suitable deal, avoiding costly mistakes, and helping you plan for the future.

When Using a Mortgage Broker Really Helps

People often benefit most from using a broker if they are:

These situations often require lender expertise beyond a simple online comparison.

Do You Still Have Control Over the Decision?

Yes. A mortgage broker advises and explains your options, but the final decision is always yours. A good broker will talk you through the pros and cons of each option and answer any questions you have along the way.

The goal is to help you make an informed decision, not to push you in a particular direction.

So, Is It Better to Use a Mortgage Broker?

For many people, the answer is yes. A mortgage broker can save time, reduce stress, and help you avoid costly mistakes by guiding you through the process and comparing the wider market.

Whether you are buying your first home, moving house, or remortgaging, the right advice can make the experience far smoother.

📊 Mortgage Broker vs Bank: The Comparison

Feature	Mortgage Broker	Bank
Access to multiple lenders	✅ Whole-of-market or large panel	❌ Only their own products
Personalised advice	✅ Tailored to your situation	⚠️ More limited
Time-saving	✅ One application, multiple options	❌ Must approach each bank individually
Paperwork support	✅ Full support with documents & forms	⚠️ Varies by bank
Specialist cases (bad credit, self-employed)	✅ Usually experienced in complex cases	❌ Limited flexibility
Cost	✅ Often free or transparent fees	✅ Usually free