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Part of our UK mortgage rates guide. See the main pillar for the full lender comparison, FRN-verified best buys by LTV band and worked-example payments: Best Mortgage Rates UK 2026.
How much do mortgage brokers charge?
Mortgage broker fees in the UK vary significantly. Some brokers charge nothing — they earn a procuration fee (commission) from lenders. Others charge a flat fee of £300 to £500, or a percentage of the loan (typically 0.3 to 0.5%). The total cost also depends on whether you use a tied broker (one lender only), a multi-tied broker (panel of lenders), or a whole-of-market broker (all lenders).
Many mortgage brokers are free to use — they earn commission from the lender. Fee-charging brokers typically charge £300 to £500 flat. Always ask upfront: how are you paid and do you cover the whole market?
Mortgage broker fee structures
Fee type
Typical cost
Who charges it
No fee (commission only)
£0 to you; lender pays £250 to £500 proc fee to broker
Most online and comparison brokers; some advisers
Flat fee
£300 to £500 typically; up to £999 for complex cases
Independent advisers; specialist brokers
Percentage of loan
0.3 to 0.5% of mortgage (e.g. £600 to £1,000 on a £200k mortgage)
Some advisers; less common
Hourly rate
£75 to £150 per hour
Rare; some fee-only advisers
Free vs fee-charging brokers: what is the difference?
Free brokers earn their income through procuration fees paid by lenders — typically £250 to £500 per completed mortgage. This does not bias their advice in practice (lenders pay similar proc fees), but a fee-charging independent broker may have a broader panel and no commercial incentive to favour one lender over another.
Is a mortgage broker worth the fee?
Complex cases — self-employed, adverse credit, unusual property — a specialist broker is almost always worth the fee
Remortgaging — a free whole-of-market broker can save you thousands by finding the best rate; fee rarely justified over commission-only
First-time buyers — a free broker covers the whole market and guides you through the process; the fee adds limited value
Buy-to-let — specialist advice is valuable; fee-charging brokers with BTL expertise worth considering
Best free mortgage brokers UK 2026
Habito — fully online; whole-of-market; no fee
Trussle — online whole-of-market broker; no fee
London and Country (L&C) — one of the largest fee-free whole-of-market brokers; phone and online
Mortgage Advice Bureau — national network; fee-free in most cases
Your local independent adviser — check whether they are whole-of-market and how they charge
What does a mortgage broker do for the fee?
Searches the whole mortgage market (or a defined panel) for the best rate for your circumstances
Checks your eligibility with lenders before submitting — avoids unnecessary hard credit searches
Handles the application paperwork and liaises with lender and solicitor
Advises on mortgage type, term, and protection insurance
Provides a recommendation you can hold them accountable for if it turns out to be unsuitable
Verdict
Use a free whole-of-market broker for most mortgages
L&C, Habito, or Trussle give you whole-of-market access at no cost. Pay a fee only for complex cases (adverse credit, self-employed with unusual accounts, specialist property) where specialist expertise justifies the cost. Always confirm: are you whole-of-market and how are you paid?
Frequently asked questions
Do mortgage brokers charge upfront?
Some charge a booking or advice fee upfront (£99 to £299) with the remainder on completion. Others charge only on completion. Free brokers charge nothing at any stage. Always confirm the fee structure and when it is payable before proceeding.
Can a mortgage broker get me a better rate than going direct?
Often yes. Brokers have access to exclusive rates not available to the public and know which lenders are most likely to approve your application. The saving on rate can far exceed any broker fee.
Is a mortgage broker regulated?
Yes. All mortgage brokers in the UK must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Check the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk before using any broker. Authorisation means they must give suitable advice and carry professional indemnity insurance.
What is a procuration fee?
A procuration fee (proc fee) is the commission a lender pays a broker for introducing a completed mortgage. It is typically 0.3 to 0.5% of the loan amount. This is paid by the lender, not by you. Brokers must disclose the proc fee they will receive.
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The content on Kaeltripton.com is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal or regulatory advice. Kaeltripton.com is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is not a financial adviser, mortgage broker, insurance intermediary or investment firm. Nothing on this site should be construed as a personal recommendation. Rates, figures and product details are indicative only, subject to change without notice, and should always be verified directly with the relevant provider, HMRC, the FCA register, the Bank of England, Ofgem or other appropriate authority before any financial decision is made. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. If you require regulated financial advice, please consult a qualified adviser authorised by the FCA.
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Chandraketu Tripathi
Finance Editor · Kaeltripton.com
Chandraketu (CK) Tripathi, founder and lead editor of Kael Tripton. 22 years in finance and marketing across 23 markets. Writes on UK personal finance, tax, mortgages, insurance, energy, and investing. Sources: HMRC, FCA, Ofgem, BoE, ONS.
