What Should I Look For In A Mortgage Lender?

The mortgage marketplace in the UK is a very crowded place these days. An entire smorgasbord of mortgage lenders are fighting to sign us up as customers – from banks and building societies to supermarkets and department stores.

All this choice can easily make us information-rich, but decision-poor. So how do we cut through the marketing hyperbole and the sense-numbing myriad of discounts, capped rates and introductory offers?

Estate agents and banks are always eager to help with a mortgage decision. But remember that while taking one of their mortgages is convenient- especially if you are a first time buyer - it may not be the best available option. Like car insurance and so many of our other major purchases, it pays to shop around. And because mortgages are usually for substantial amounts of money, the savings can run into several thousands pounds over the lifetime of the mortgage. With a purchase this big, it pays dividends to do your homework.