Mortgage Broker vs Going Direct: Which is Better?

Deciding whether to use a mortgage broker or go directly to your bank comes down to two things: choice and certainty. With thousands of deals on the market, the right path depends on how straightforward your financial situation is and whether you want professional protection for your decision.

The broker route: maximum choice

A mortgage broker acts as a professional matchmaker. They are often the only way to access specialist income boost schemes or 6x salary multiples. The advantage is access to a vast panel of lenders and broker exclusives – discounted rates not published on public websites.

A broker also pre-vets your application. In a market where multiple “hard” credit searches in a short window can impact your creditworthiness, a broker uses soft-search technology to ensure you only apply where you are likely to be approved. Furthermore, because a broker provides “advised” sales, they take professional responsibility for the suitability of the loan. While some brokers charge a small fee for this service, many work on a commission basis from the lender.

The direct route: familiarity and speed

If you’ve banked with the same provider for years, their digital portal might offer a streamlined application process. For straightforward PAYE earners with large deposits, existing customer deals are often very competitive and can be processed via automated systems in as little as 48 hours.

The limitation is that you are essentially “execution-only.” Even if your bank offers a good rate, you will never know if a rival lender was offering a 6x income stretch that could have transformed your budget. You also lack the broader market comparison that ensures you aren’t overpaying for the sake of convenience.

The hidden cost of going alone

The biggest risk of going direct isn’t just a higher rate – it’s opportunity cost. Lenders change their affordability calculators frequently. A broker uses live software to see which lender will give you, for example, £25,000 more than the others based on your specific childcare costs or pension contributions.

Next steps

Whether you choose the broad reach of a broker or the direct path of your bank, the final destination is the same: the legal transfer of your home. Setfords works seamlessly with both independent brokers and high-street banks to ensure your mortgage instructions are processed without delay the moment your offer is issued.