Remortgage broker fees

Brokers can save time and help you avoid applying for deals you do not qualify for. But broker fees (if charged) are part of the real cost of remortgaging, so you should include them when comparing deals.

Include broker fees in break-even All remortgage fees How to compare deals

Quick answer

Some brokers charge no fee to you, some charge a fixed fee, and some charge a percentage or a completion-only fee. A broker can be most useful if your circumstances are complex, you want access to a wider range of lenders, or you want help navigating criteria and paperwork. Always confirm the fee and when it is payable before you proceed.

What a broker does in a remortgage

A broker’s job is to match you with a suitable mortgage product and help you through application and completion. That might include checking lender criteria, advising on deal structure, gathering documents, and liaising with solicitors and lenders.

In simple cases you may prefer to apply direct. In complex cases, a broker can reduce rejections and delay.

Broker fee styles (what you might see)

Fee-free to customer

The broker is paid by the lender. You pay nothing directly, but the broker’s recommendation should still be suitable for your needs.

Customer fee (fixed or %)

You pay a fixed fee or percentage. Often used when cases are complex or the broker offers a more hands-on service.

When broker fees can feel “worth it”
  • Complex income: self-employed, multiple jobs, dividends, irregular earnings.
  • Property quirks: flats above shops, non-standard construction, short lease, unique builds.
  • Credit history: past issues that change lender choice.
  • Time-saving: you want someone to manage the admin and chase progress.

Whatever the fee style, treat it as a switching cost and compare deals by total cost, not just by rate.

Pitfalls to avoid

Broker fee checklist: questions to ask

  • Is your service fee-free to me, or is there a broker fee?
  • If there is a fee, is it fixed or percentage-based?
  • When do I pay: upfront, on mortgage offer, or on completion?
  • If the remortgage doesn’t complete, is the fee refundable?
  • Are you whole-of-market or limited panel?
  • Will you compare total cost including product fee, cashback, legal and valuation?
  • Can you include broker fees in the break-even calculation?

FAQs

No. Some brokers are fee-free to the customer and are paid by the lender. Others charge a fee, and some do both (a lender commission plus a customer fee).

Fees vary widely. Some are fixed, some are percentage-based, and some are only payable on completion. The key is to get the fee confirmed in writing before you proceed.

Often when your case is complex (self-employed, multiple incomes, unusual property, credit issues), or when you value time-saving and guidance through paperwork and lender criteria.

Sometimes, but it depends on the lender and your borrowing limits. Adding it to the loan increases borrowing and may cost more overall.

Treat broker fees as a switching cost and include them alongside product fees, legal costs, valuation, and any ERC when calculating break-even.