Recommendation on mortgage broker? Independent or from Estate agent?

[Qqbank01]

Hello, currently I am searching for a 2-3 bed house to buy in South Manchester within £220-250.

I have received a rate from one of the EA’s broker and it cost almost £700, this is the first rate I have received so I am not sure if this reasonable?
I was thinking to find another broker for comparison.

I have an apartment oversea with 50% ownership (should be counted as non FTB for my case?) and full time employed in permanently contract in UK.

I am quite new to UK so my credit score is not that ideal, Is it worth to pay for the mortgage broker in that high to get a better deal?

Any recommendation on broker is welcomed.

I would go with someone independent. In my experience, the EA's broker did not offer the better deals. Also, we did not pay for our broker. We only paid a fee to the lender themselves when we took out the mortgage. I definitely wouldn't pay £700 for one.

Hi @Qqbank01, we have not been approved yet but are in the process with the moneyman UK, highly recommended they are really helpful and it's worth getting a quote they also offer free advice which may help with your situation.

Mortgage Medics. Independent and give great advice, used them 2 or 3 times now.

I can recommend London and Country, they are independent and quite often can get deals other places cant. They are free too. www.landc.co.uk/

Thank you all for your options

Definitely independent - especially if you’re relatively new to the UK. Many lenders won’t lend unless you have indefinite leave to remain or similar, or require a higher deposit etc. so a good mortgage broker will be well worth it in your case.

Our independent broker was only £300 and he was great literally did everything and is still helping us now after we've paid as we still haven't completed yet. X

I'd echo this. I used them and it meant there was zero paperwork hassle for me.

There are many fee free independent brokers other than the one always mentioned here, and definitely no need to be paying a big fee like £700!! Ask around colleagues and neighbours for a local firm recommendations?

Came on to recommend L&C

Tried to do a check on L&C website and got a DIP on the same day, really fast
The next step is to check Rightmove everyday and wait for the right house