The mortgage market in 2025 is more fragmented and fast-moving than ever. With interest rates still unpredictable and lender criteria increasingly nuanced, borrowers face a key decision early on: should you go direct to a lender or work with a mortgage broker?

Here’s a balanced, experience-led breakdown of what to consider.

What Going Direct Really Offers

At first glance, going straight to a bank or lender can seem easier and faster. It removes the middleman and might feel more in your control.

However, what many borrowers don’t realise is:

• You’ll only see that lender’s products. Even if better terms are available elsewhere, you won’t be shown them.
• Lenders won’t always highlight drawbacks. A 2-year tracker might look appealing — until you learn about the reversion rate.
• The process isn’t necessarily faster. You’ll still deal with documentation, affordability checks, and underwriting delays.

Some lenders even require you to work through a broker for certain specialist or high-LTV products.

What a Whole-of-Market Broker Brings

Working with a truly independent, whole-of-market broker — like Willow — opens up a wider toolkit:

• Access to exclusive rates not available direct
• Bespoke lender selection based on your circumstances
• Support with complex scenarios like trust ownership, multiple incomes, or overseas clients
• End-to-end guidance from application to completion

This becomes especially valuable for those with less straightforward profiles: the self-employed, investors, high-net-worth individuals, or international borrowers.

Comparing the Two in 2025

Product Access

• Going Direct: Limited to a single lender
• Using a Broker: Access to 100+ lenders across the market

Advice

• Going Direct: No advice — execution-only
• Using a Broker: Full advice with a suitability check tailored to your needs

Speed

• Going Direct: May vary; depends on how well your case is packaged
• Using a Broker: Often quicker due to accurate documentation and lender relationships

Complexity Support

• Going Direct: Limited support for anything outside of standard criteria
• Using a Broker: Full guidance on complex cases like trusts, company structures, or non-UK income

Exclusive Rates



• Going Direct: Rarely available
• Using a Broker: Often have access to exclusive or broker-only rates

When It Makes Sense to Go Direct

• You're re-fixing with the same lender and don’t need advice.
• You have a very simple case and are confident comparing terms.
• The lender offers a retention deal that suits your needs.

When a Broker Is Essential

• You have complex income (bonuses, self-employed, etc.)
• You're using a limited company or trust structure
• You’re purchasing in unusual circumstances (e.g. with family, abroad, or on short timescales)
• You want strategy — not just rate — for long-term benefit

Why Many Professionals Still Choose Brokers

Even experienced investors, business owners, and professionals now lean on brokers for their mortgage needs.

Why?

Because what matters most in 2025 isn’t just finding a mortgage — it’s finding the right one, with full awareness of risks, structure, and strategy.

A good broker doesn’t just get you a mortgage. They help you build a smarter plan.

📞 Want Help Navigating Today’s Market?

Book a free strategy call with one of our mortgage specialists.

We’ll help you find the smartest way forward—whatever rates do next.