Heirloom matches you with vetted UK mortgage advisers in three minutes. Every adviser in our network is FCA authorised. We cover first-time buyers, movers, remortgages, buy-to-let, equity release, and complex situations like self-employed or contractor income. Free for clients, always.
Who we match mortgage advisers for
Mortgages are one of the most consequential financial decisions most people make, and one of the easiest to get wrong if you go it alone. A good adviser earns their fee in the difference between the deal you'd find yourself and the one they can find you.
First-time buyers
If you're buying your first home, an adviser can guide you through Help to Buy, shared ownership, the First Homes scheme, and which lenders are flexible on smaller deposits or non-standard income. They'll also help you avoid the common errors that cost time and money on completion.
Moving home
Moving home means porting your existing mortgage or getting a new one, often while juggling a chain. A mortgage adviser handles the timing, negotiates with your existing lender, and finds you the best rate for the new property.
Remortgaging
Most people remortgage every 2-5 years. The difference between staying with your current lender and shopping around is typically thousands of pounds over the life of the loan. An adviser does the comparison work in an afternoon that would take you weeks.
Buy-to-let
Buy-to-let lending has its own rules - rental income stress tests, limited company ownership, portfolio landlords. An adviser who specialises in BTL knows which lenders work for your situation and structure.
Equity release
If you're 55+ and own your home, equity release can free up cash without selling. It's complex, irreversible in some forms, and absolutely requires specialist advice. We match you with an adviser holding the relevant qualifications (CeRER, ER1).
Complex cases
Self-employed, contractor, limited company director, mixed income, expat, high net worth. The high street rarely works for these cases. We have advisers who specialise in placing complex cases with specialist lenders.
What to look for in a UK mortgage adviser
- FCA authorisation. Mortgage advisers must be authorised. Check on the FCA register.
- CeMAP qualification. The minimum professional qualification for UK mortgage advisers.
- Whole-of-market access. Some advisers can only recommend from a panel of lenders. "Whole of market" means they can recommend anything available.
- Transparent fee structure. They should disclose all fees and lender commissions upfront, before you commit.
- Relevant specialism. Self-employed mortgages, BTL portfolios, and equity release all need different expertise.
How Heirloom matches for mortgages
Tell us what kind of mortgage you need, the rough property value, your employment situation, and your timeframe. We'll match you with up to three UK mortgage advisers whose specialism, panel, and turnaround capacity fit. Every adviser is FCA authorised. You get a free one-hour discovery call with any that interest you.
Common questions
What's the difference between a mortgage broker and a mortgage adviser?
In practice they're the same thing. Both describe an FCA-authorised professional who advises on mortgages and arranges them for you. "Broker" is the older term, "adviser" is the FCA's preferred wording.
Do I need a mortgage adviser if I'm a first-time buyer?
Not legally, but most first-time buyers benefit significantly. Mortgage advisers can access deals not available on the high street, help with first-time buyer schemes, and shield you from common errors that cost money or delay your purchase.
How much does mortgage advice cost?
Some mortgage advisers charge a fee directly to clients (typically £300-£800). Some are paid by commission from the lender (paid by the lender, not added to your mortgage). Some use a hybrid model. All fees and commissions must be disclosed before you commit.
Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed?
Yes. Many lenders consider self-employed applicants, though criteria vary. A mortgage adviser experienced with self-employed clients knows which lenders are most flexible on income calculation, one year vs two, treatment of retained profits, and so on. This is where good advice pays for itself.