Is It Cheaper to Go Direct to a Lender? The Mortgage Broker Myth (UK)

There’s a mortgage myth that comes up all the time: “It’s cheaper to go directly to a lender than to use a broker.” It sounds sensible at first—why not “cut out the middleman”?

But mortgages aren’t that simple. The cheapest overall option isn’t always the one you spot first on a bank’s website, and it definitely isn’t always the one you get by going direct to a single lender.

At Caboodle Finance, we help people across the UK from our base in Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield), and we’re 5★ rated. We also use industry-leading technology to search thousands of mortgage deals to find the best match for your circumstances.

The myth: “Going direct is always cheaper”

This belief usually comes from two assumptions:

  1. A lender will automatically give you their “best deal” if you apply directly
  2. A broker will always add extra cost without adding extra value

In reality, your mortgage cost and eligibility depend on your circumstances—so comparing properly matters.

The truth: a broker can often save you money overall

A mortgage broker doesn’t just look at one lender’s products. Caboodle Finance searches a comprehensive panel of lenders to find the best mortgage deal for your circumstances.

That matters because the “best deal” isn’t only about the rate. It’s also about the overall package and whether you’re likely to be accepted based on your situation.

What you get with Caboodle Finance

When you work with Caboodle Finance, you’re not just getting a rate comparison. You’re getting support that’s designed to make the process simpler and smoother:

  • Searching thousands of deals using industry-leading technology
  • Access to over 70 lenders (including high street names such as Halifax, Virgin, and Skipton)
  • A dedicated adviser to talk through your options in confidence
  • A service that aims to be easy to understand (no unnecessary jargon)
  • Help with the admin: we take care of the paperwork and process your mortgage application from start to finish
  • A free initial consultation with no obligation to proceed with any product we recommend

Sometimes that means finding a better deal. Sometimes it means finding a deal that fits your circumstances when a “quick online search” doesn’t tell the full story.

Who we can help

Caboodle Finance can help with a wide range of mortgage needs, including:

If you’re not sure which category you fit into, that’s completely normal—this is exactly where a chat with a broker helps.

Quick checklist: “Should I go direct or use a broker?”

If any of these apply, it’s usually worth speaking to a broker before you apply:

  • You want to compare properly (not just one lender’s range)
  • Your income isn’t “straightforward” (e.g., self-employed or fluctuating)
  • You’re looking at buy-to-let
  • You’re remortgaging and want to check if you can raise funds
  • You’d rather have someone handle the process and paperwork end-to-end

Next step

If you want to see what’s available for your situation, you can find out more here:
https://caboodlefinance.co.uk

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Make Self-Employment Work for You: Find Your Mortgage with Caboodle Finance

Image
If you’re self-employed, you know it can feel challenging when applying for a mortgage. But at Caboodle Finance, we believe everyone deserves the chance to own a home, no matter their work style. Here’s how we help: Comprehensive search: Access to a wide panel of lenders for the best fit. Friendly experts: Our advisers provide confidential, no-obligation advice tailored for you. Simple, clear process: We’ll take care of the paperwork from start to finish. Powerful technology: Our systems compare thousands of mortgage deals—quickly and accurately. Don’t let being self-employed be a hurdle. Self-employed, contractor, or freelancer, your dream home is within reach thanks to our specialist knowledge and customer-first approach. Find out more about our support and services for self-employed homebuyers:  https://caboodlefinance.co.uk/self-employed/ Remember: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Read more

🏡 It’s not just about low rates — it’s about finding the right mortgage deal for you.

Image
When you’re choosing a mortgage, the lowest headline rate doesn’t always mean the best overall value. Fees, incentives, flexibility, and your personal circumstances all matter—and getting the right fit can make a real difference to your monthly budget and long‑term plans. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home, or looking to remortgage, expert guidance can help you compare your options with confidence and choose a deal that works for you. 👉 Read more here: https://caboodlefinance.co.uk/mortgage-advisors-in-sutton-coldfield-birmingham/ Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Most buy-to-let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Read more

Why Life Insurance Matters—and How Caboodle Makes Protection Personal

Image
For most families, planning ahead means thinking about more than just tomorrow's to-do list. True security means knowing your loved ones will be taken care of, no matter what happens. This is where life insurance comes in—not simply as a formality, but as a foundation for a more confident, resilient future. Understanding Your Unique Family Needs Caboodle Financial Services knows that no two families are identical, and neither are their protection needs. That's why every conversation starts with getting to know you: your goals, your priorities, and your worries. Their experienced advisers are dedicated to making life insurance understandable and accessible—answering questions openly, and helping you weigh up the best options without pressure or confusing sales talk. Flexible Coverage Options That Work for You From level term insurance to mortgage protection, Caboodle works to identify plans that offer the right balance between affordability and coverage. They'll guide you th...
Read more