If you are researching mortgage options in the UK, you have probably come across the term “Big 6 mortgage lenders.” This phrase refers to the six largest banks and building societies that dominate the UK mortgage market by share of lending.
The Big 6 mortgage lenders in the UK are:
- Lloyds Banking Group (including Halifax, Bank of Scotland and BM Solutions)
- Nationwide Building Society (including The Mortgage Works)
- NatWest Group (including Royal Bank of Scotland)
- Santander UK
- Barclays
- HSBC UK
Together, these six institutions provide the majority of residential mortgage lending across the country.
1. Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Banking Group is consistently the largest mortgage lender in the UK. Its key mortgage brands include Halifax, Lloyds Bank, and Bank of Scotland, covering a wide range of products from first-time buyer mortgages to remortgages and home-mover loans.
The group also operates BM Solutions, a specialist buy-to-let lender. BM Solutions makes its products available exclusively through mortgage brokers, not directly to customers. This broker-only model ensures that landlords benefit from professional advice tailored to their investment needs.
With Halifax as one of the UK’s most recognisable mortgage brands, Lloyds Banking Group remains a benchmark for pricing and lending trends across the industry.
2. Nationwide Building Society
Nationwide is the largest building society in the world and the second-largest mortgage lender in the UK. Being a mutual organisation, it is owned by its members rather than shareholders, which allows it to focus on customer value and service quality.
Alongside its main residential products, Nationwide owns The Mortgage Works (TMW), one of the UK’s most established buy-to-let lenders. Like BM Solutions, The Mortgage Works operates exclusively via mortgage brokers, meaning landlords can only access its products through qualified intermediaries.
Nationwide is widely respected for its competitive rates, strong customer support and consistent presence in “best buy” mortgage tables, particularly for first-time buyers.
3. NatWest Group
The NatWest Group includes NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), two of the most recognised names in UK banking. Together, they form one of the largest providers of residential mortgages in the country.
NatWest offers its mortgage range both directly to customers and through brokers, with products covering fixed-rate, tracker and green mortgage options that reward energy-efficient homes. Its broker partnerships ensure wide market access, helping borrowers secure competitive deals through advisers who understand their needs.
4. Santander UK
Santander UK, part of the global Santander Group, holds a strong position among the Big 6 lenders. Its products are known for simplicity, transparent pricing and reliable service.
Santander works closely with mortgage brokers across the UK while also offering mortgages directly to consumers. Its range includes low-fee and offset products, appealing to a broad audience from first-time buyers to remortgagers.
Santander’s well-designed online tools make it easy for customers to track and manage their mortgages, contributing to its reputation as one of the most accessible lenders in the market.
5. Barclays
Barclays is one of the UK’s oldest and most established banks, with a long history of providing mortgages. It offers a full selection of residential and buy-to-let products both directly and via brokers.
Known for innovation and digital accessibility, Barclays also rewards existing current account holders with exclusive rates. Its affordability assessments are consistent and its approach to technology has made it a popular choice among borrowers who prefer managing applications online with broker support where needed.
6. HSBC UK
HSBC is one of the world’s leading banking and financial services organisations and, as of 2025, the largest bank in Europe by total assets. Its global reach and financial strength give it a significant presence in the UK mortgage market.
HSBC offers its mortgage range both directly and through selected brokers. It is praised for its competitive rates, straightforward fees and user-friendly online mortgage application process. Its combination of international scale and local service makes HSBC a trusted choice for many UK borrowers.
Why the “Big 6” Matters
The Big 6 lenders are influential because their pricing, product design and lending criteria often shape the rest of the mortgage market. Smaller banks and building societies frequently adjust their own products in response to changes made by these six institutions.
However, while these lenders dominate in size, they are not always the best option for every borrower. Many smaller or specialist lenders can offer greater flexibility, particularly for complex income cases, self-employed applicants, or those looking for buy-to-let or specialist finance solutions.
The Popularity of Mortgage Brokers in the UK
The majority of UK borrowers now choose to arrange their mortgage through a professional intermediary rather than going directly to a lender. According to recent data from industry bodies such as the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA), around 84% of all new mortgages in the UK are arranged through mortgage brokers.
This figure highlights the growing trust and reliance consumers place in advisers to find them the most suitable deal. Brokers can compare products from across the whole market, including the Big 6 and smaller niche lenders, ensuring clients receive impartial recommendations and tailored advice.
Choosing the Right Lender for You
With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which lender offers the most suitable deal for your circumstances. Headline rates can be attractive, but fees, flexibility and eligibility criteria can vary significantly between lenders.
A qualified mortgage adviser can guide you through the process, comparing options from across the market and explaining the pros and cons of each product. This ensures you secure a mortgage that truly fits your needs.
You can easily find a trusted mortgage adviser near you on Mortgage Adviser Directory. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a homeowner looking to remortgage or a landlord expanding your portfolio, a professional adviser can help you make confident, informed decisions.
Final Thoughts
The Big 6 mortgage lenders, Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide, NatWest Group, Santander, Barclays and HSBC, are the cornerstone of the UK mortgage market. They provide stability, innovation and choice for millions of borrowers every year.
HSBC’s status as Europe’s largest bank by assets reflects the financial strength behind these institutions, while the exclusive broker channels of BM Solutions and The Mortgage Works highlight the key role advisers play in the market.
With 84% of all mortgages arranged through intermediaries, mortgage brokers remain at the heart of the UK mortgage system, helping borrowers access competitive deals and expert advice every step of the way.
