Most homeowners who used a mortgage broker would do so again, according to a poll.
A survey by Legal & General mortgage club has found more than four fifths of 500 homeowners who bought in the last 12 months would use a broker if they were to buy their first home again, while 75 per cent of first-time buyers said they would be likely to use a broker for the purpose.
Customers with specialist circumstances were more likely to say they would use a broker, with more than seven in 10 (71 per cent) of those surveyed said they would be likely to seek advice from a broker if they had a poor credit rating, while 62 per cent would turn to use a broker if they were self-employed or worked as a contractor. Additionally, over two-thirds (67 per cent) would be likely to speak to a broker about buy-to-let mortgages.
The figures come after a recent report by the FCA stated that a third of customers do not receive the cheapest mortgage, and added that there should be a tool available so that customers could compare mortgage brokers.
The L&G survey said customers value several aspects of using a broker.
A third of respondents said using a broker removed the hassle of filling out forms and applications, while 36 per cent said that using a broker provided them with reassurance of talking to someone before taking out a mortgage.
Kevin Roberts, director of Legal & General Mortgage Club, said: "These figures should come as a positive message for mortgage brokers across the UK, showing that there is clearly a recognition amongst consumers about the value of professional advice, whether they are an existing homeowner, a first-time buyer, a borrower with a complex income or a prospective landlord."
Jane King, mortgage adviser from Ash-Ridge private finance in London, said she could see her clients were happy with their experience because so many returned.
She said: "Between 80 and 85 per cent of my clients use me more than once. I think that depends on the firm - if staff leave and people can't get hold of them then they may not come back, but for those of us who hang around, we do get a lot of repeat clients."
rosie.murray-west@ft.com
