A mortgage broker is usually better than a comparison site because they give personalised advice, check your affordability accurately, access many more lenders than comparison websites show, and help you secure a suitable mortgage without hidden pitfalls.
Choosing a mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. With hundreds of lenders and thousands of products, it is no surprise that many people start by looking at mortgage comparison websites. They appear simple, quick, and convenient. However, comparison sites often give an incomplete picture of what you can actually borrow and what you will actually pay. This is why more borrowers are choosing to work with a qualified mortgage broker instead.
In this guide we explain why comparison websites can be misleading, how brokers add real value, and why personalised advice is usually the safer and more cost effective route.
Do comparison sites show all available mortgage deals?
Mortgage comparison websites do not show the full market. They only include lenders that choose to appear on their platform, and many deals are missing from their results. Some lenders do not feature on comparison sites at all. Others offer special rates that are only available through advisers. Buy to let lenders, specialist lenders and private banks often avoid comparison sites altogether.
Brokers, on the other hand, can access whole of market or a very broad panel of lenders. This means you are far more likely to find a product that actually fits your circumstances.
Why do comparison site results differ from what you are later offered?
Comparison websites rely on basic information and do not complete a full affordability check. They cannot assess your income structure, credit profile, outstanding commitments or future plans. As a result, the rates you see online may change once a lender reviews your full application.
It is common for people to choose a deal from a comparison site only to be told later that the product is unsuitable or that the rate has changed. This can delay your application and affect your property plans.
A mortgage broker prevents this by carrying out a detailed affordability review from the start. They match you with lenders that actually fit your profile, so the deal you are offered is far more likely to be the one you end up with.
Do comparison sites include all fees and true costs?
Another issue with comparison sites is that they focus heavily on headline rates. These can be misleading. A mortgage with a low initial rate might have a high product fee, a short fixed period or early repayment charges that push up the overall cost.
A broker will calculate the true cost of each option. They compare the rate, fees, incentives and term structure so you can see which mortgage is genuinely best value over the period you plan to keep it.
Can comparison sites handle complex cases?
Comparison sites work well only for very simple cases with standard income and excellent credit. They struggle with:
- Self employed borrowers
- Contractors or freelancers
- People with credit blips
- Applicants with multiple income sources
- Buy-to-let investors
- First time buyers with gifted deposits
- People remortgaging to raise capital
If you fall into any of these groups, the results you see online may not apply to you at all.
Mortgage brokers specialise in these situations. They know which lenders are flexible, what criteria apply, and how to structure your application so you have the best chance of approval.
Are comparison sites independent?
Most comparison websites earn money when users click through or apply for a particular deal. This creates a commercial incentive for them to highlight certain lenders or products more prominently.
A mortgage broker works for you. Their job is to understand your goals and find a mortgage that supports them. There is no incentive to promote unsuitable products. Instead, brokers are regulated professionals who must act in your best interests.
Can a comparison site give personalised advice?
No. Comparison sites do not provide tailored advice and cannot guide you through the full journey. They cannot interpret lender criteria, explain how a change in term or loan structure might affect your long term plans, or help you understand the risks of each option.
A broker provides personalised guidance from start to finish. They prepare your application, deal with the lender on your behalf, recommend protection where appropriate, and help you avoid mistakes. This support saves time and reduces stress, especially for first time buyers.
Do mortgage brokers get better rates?
Many lenders offer exclusive products that are only available through brokers. Some lenders also prefer to receive applications through advisers because the quality of the paperwork tends to be higher and the affordability work has already been completed. As a result, brokers often have access to rates and lending options that you will never see online.
Even when the rate looks similar, the broker will help you choose a deal that fits your goals. For example, you might benefit from a longer fixed period, a lower product fee, or more flexible overpayment options.
So, is it better to use a mortgage broker or a comparison site?
For most borrowers, a mortgage broker offers far more value, protection and accuracy than a comparison site. Comparison websites can be a useful starting point, but they should not be relied upon to choose a mortgage.
A broker gives tailored advice, checks affordability properly, searches a larger pool of lenders, and ensures the deal you select is suitable both now and in the future.
If you want advice that is accurate, personal and genuinely helps you save money, a mortgage broker is the better option.
