Find a mortgage adviser

You are not legally required to use a mortgage adviser, but they can search the whole market on your behalf — including deals not available directly to consumers. An adviser assesses your circumstances and finds mortgages you are eligible for, which can save time and potentially money.

Many mortgage advisers do not charge a fee to the client, earning their income from commission paid by the lender. Some charge a fixed fee, typically £300–£500, which may be offset by access to better rates. Check the fee structure before engaging an adviser.

A whole-of-market broker can recommend mortgages from across the entire lending market, rather than being restricted to a panel of selected lenders. This gives you the widest range of options. Not all brokers are whole-of-market — some are tied to specific lender panels.

Yes. Mortgage advice in the UK is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Mortgages and Home Finance: Conduct of Business Sourcebook (MCOB). All mortgage advisers must be FCA-authorised, and you are protected by the Financial Ombudsman Service and FSCS if something goes wrong.

The terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to a professional who helps you find and apply for a mortgage. Technically, a "broker" arranges the mortgage while an "adviser" provides regulated advice on suitability. In practice, most mortgage professionals do both.

From initial application to completion, a typical mortgage takes 4–8 weeks. This includes the lender's assessment, property valuation, legal conveyancing, and exchange of contracts. Complex cases (self-employed, non-standard properties) may take longer.