Mortgages
What does a mortgage adviser or broker do?
Last reviewed: 3 October 2026
The brief answer
A mortgage adviser (often called a broker) recommends a mortgage suitable for your circumstances and helps you apply. A lender is the bank or building society that lends the money and makes the final decision.
In plain English
Mortgage advisers must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), or work for a firm that is. You can check on the FCA Register.
Some advisers search the whole market; others work with a limited panel of lenders. Some charge a fee, some are paid commission by the lender, and some both. Ask how they are paid and which lenders they can access.
You can also go directly to a lender, but the lender will only offer its own products.
Why it matters
Choosing a mortgage is a regulated advice decision. An authorised adviser is responsible for the suitability of their recommendation.
What to do next
- 1Check the adviser on the FCA Register.
- 2Ask about fees and market coverage before you start.
- 3Explain your full situation honestly, including residency and credit history.
Checklist
- Adviser is on the FCA Register
- I know how they are paid
- I know whether they are whole-of-market