mortgage-broker

The 5 best mortgage brokers in Glasgow for first-time buyers and beyond

  • Fees and Charges: We chose brokers who are transparent about their costs. We also checked how they charge. Are they fee-free (paid by lenders), fixed-fee, or percentage-based?
  • Range of Lenders: We focused on brokers who have access to a wide network of lenders. This gives you more competitive mortgage options.
  • Qualifications and Regulations: We made sure all brokers are properly qualified and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)-authorised.
  • Customer Service: We looked at how approachable and supportive the brokers are. We asked past clients if they’re being guided throughout the process.
  • Efficiency: We also considered how quickly and smoothly brokers handle applications.

When I first started looking at mortgages in Glasgow, I thought, how hard can it be? A few searches later, my head was spinning about interest rates and mortgage jargon. 

That’s when I realised, this is not a DIY project. Mortgage brokers exist for a reason, and we must fulfil their purposes.

The tricky part isn’t deciding if you need one; it’s figuring out which broker to go with. To make things easier, our team pulled together what really matters when choosing the right experts. 

If you ever need some guidance too, well, keep reading. We wouldn’t gatekeep our findings if it meant helping people like you out.

How much do mortgage brokers in Glasgow charge for their services?

Mortgage brokers in Glasgow usually charge £400 to £1,000 for their services, depending on how straightforward or complex your case is. 

1. Independent Mortgage Store

independent-mortgage-store

Address: 93 Byres Rd

Phone: +44 141 337 3393
Business hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday: Closed

Website

Independent Mortgage Store isn’t a flashy brokerage with dozens of advisors. It’s a boutique, privately owned firm that has quietly built a reputation over the last 26 years. 

Their independence means they aren’t tied to any one lender, so they can search across thousands of products. For anyone with unique circumstances, that flexibility is very beneficial. 

What sets them apart, though, is the personal touch. Time and again, clients talk about how Gerry (one of the core advisors) patiently explained every step of the process. He makes sure nothing feels rushed or intimidating.

Another person even mentioned he not only guided them through the mortgage itself, but also suggested solicitors and explained insurance options. 

They’re also market savvy here. In one case, they made sure to push an application through before interest rates spiked. The client said it saved them from a higher repayment down the line.

That said, their size has its trade-offs. Gerry and Laura can only take on so many clients at once. It’s best to contact them early to secure a transaction with them.

Pros

  • Independent
  • Access to a wide range of products
  • Ideal for complex cases
  • Personal and supportive service
  • Goes beyond mortgages
  • Market awareness
  • Strong client relationships

Cons

  • Small team size
  • Availability limits

    We would definitely go to them again in future

    “Gerry at the Independent Mortgage Store was incredibly helpful, offering us clear, expert advice and patiently answering our questions to help us understand the process and the products on offer. Homebuying and mortgages can be complicated and stressful, so Gerry’s help was really appreciated. We would definitely go to them again in future.”

    Eleanor Hilton, Google review

    Gerry was amazing to deal with

    “We contacted the Independent Mortgage store for assistance with our re-mortgage. From supplying our final document to offering was less than 48 hours! Gerry was amazing to deal with, and we will 100% be using them again when we move.”

    Lisa McFall, Google review

    2. Mortgage Advice Brokerage Ltd

    mortgage-advice-brokerage-ltd

    Address: 730 Dumbarton Rd

    Phone: +44 141 339 9025
    Business hours:

    • Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
    • Saturday to Sunday: Closed

    Website

    When we looked into Mortgage Advice Brokerage Ltd, the first thing that stood out was their experience. 

    They’ve been around since 2001. It shows that they’ve managed to stay relevant despite the market changes. 

    We’ve heard a lot of great stories from clients. Based on what we’ve gathered, first-time buyers in particular seem to get a lot of value here. They really make the process so much easier by breaking everything down clearly. 

    They also seem to be a good match for people who plan to stay with the same advisor long-term. 

    One client said they’d been working with David for more than six years. He was the one guiding them through remortgages and a house move. 

    It tells us that they don’t just help with one deal and then disappear, but actually build ongoing relationships.

    For anyone looking to release equity or grow a property portfolio, they’re a good choice. 

    Not everything we heard was glowing, though. One customer mentioned dealing with someone from their team who was rude and slow to respond. We later found out that this person was no longer a part of the company. 

    Pros

    • Over 20 years in business
    • Strong support for first-time buyers
    • Clear communication
    • Long client relationships
    • Ideal for people expanding property portfolios
    • Finds the best overall deal

    Cons

    • A report about a bad communication with a past advisor

      Kept things very simple and easy to understand

      “George helped us to secure a mortgage on our first property. He always provided clear and concise information and kept things very simple and easy to understand. Would highly recommend him for any first-time buyers.”

      Megan Maguire, Google review

      Incredibly helpful, professional, and knowledgeable

      “I had a great experience with Mortgage Advice Brokerage Ltd. They were incredibly helpful, professional, and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. They made everything clear and straightforward, and I felt supported every step of the way. I would highly recommend their services to anyone looking for honest and reliable mortgage advice.”

      Sherzad Shin, Google review

      3. West End Mortgages

      west-end-mortgages

      Address: 9 Fitzroy Pl, Finnieston

      Phone: +44 141 378 9271
      Business hours:

      • Monday: 8:45 AM – 7 PM
      • Tuesday to Friday: 8:45 AM – 5 PM
      • Saturday to Sunday: Closed

      Website

      West End Mortgages doesn’t try to take as many clients as possible, and that makes a big difference in the kind of service they offer. They really give their full attention to each of their clients. 

      A recurring praise we’ve heard is how quickly and smoothly they act when time is critical. 

      One of the clients we’ve spoken with said they managed to get a mortgage in principle the same day they spotted a property.

      For us, that’s not just good service. That’s the kind of responsiveness that can make or break your chance of securing a property.

      We also like the practical touches, like their online document portal. It might sound like a small detail, but it makes paperwork quick and easy.

      One of their biggest strengths, though, is independence. They can access the whole market, including exclusive deals you won’t find by going directly to a bank or browsing comparison websites. 

      But of course, they may not be for everyone. They usually charge a fee for advice. 

      Most clients say it’s worth paying, but if you’re only interested in the cheapest option, you might prefer a free service. 

      Pros

      • Personal attention
      • Fast turnaround
      • Smooth and straightforward process
      • Online document portal
      • Access to the whole mortgage market
      • Extra protection planning

      Cons

      • Fee-based service

        Absolutely fantastic from day one

        “Myself and my partner would highly recommend West End Mortgages to anyone. Graeme was absolutely fantastic from day one, very friendly and always made sure we were well informed on everything that was happening! Thank you, Graeme and Emma for all your hard work and for making this such a smooth process. Best wishes for the future!”

        Scott Sinclair, Google review

        The process was very smooth, thanks to them

        “I asked Graeme at West End Mortgages to source a mortgage for me at pretty short notice; the process was very smooth and I got a mortgage offer in principle within a week. The portal used to upload various documents is very easy to use. There is no way I would’ve been able to do this on my own in the timeframe I had, and I am very grateful to Graeme and Emma for their patience and clear explanations. In the grand scheme of the costs of moving, the relatively small fee charged for their services is more than worth it and removes a layer of stress that no one needs in the midst of everything else you need to sort out when buying a new home.”

        Jenny Hutcheson, Google review

        4. Dean Fleming Mortgage Brokers 

        dean-fleming-mortgage-brokers

        Address: Clyde Offices, 48 W George St

        Phone: +44 141 468 6400
        Business hours:

        • Monday to Sunday: Closed

        Website

        Dean Fleming Mortgage Brokers has access to more than ninety banks or lenders across the UK. They can look at the bigger picture and find the options that really fit you. 

        We also liked how they’ve kept up with technology by using a system that helps track cases and reduce paperwork. It makes the whole process faster and less confusing.

        The business is run by just Dean and Lorraine, so unlike a big firm, they don’t have a huge team to fall back on. If you like the idea of always being able to reach someone instantly, this smaller setup might feel limiting at times.

        But for many clients, they get a service that feels more personal. 

        One story we heard was about a couple who had Lorraine handling their mortgage. She was so invested in the cause that she emailed them updates while on holiday. 

        In one case, she even correctly predicted interest rates would drop before completion. Because she had chosen a lender that honoured the lower rate, they ended up with a better deal. 

        This foresight is very impressive, especially when it could mean thousands saved over the lifetime of a mortgage.

        Pros

        • Wide market access
        • Use of modern technology
        • Personal service
        • Dedication and commitment
        • Strong market awareness

        Cons

        • Small team limitations
        • Less backup in busy periods

          His knowledge and guidance throughout really gave us confidence

          “As first time buyers Dean made everything so straightforward and stress-free. He was incredibly helpful, patient, and always quick to respond to our questions. His knowledge and guidance throughout really gave us confidence, and he explained everything in a way that made it easy for us to understand. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better advisor to help us secure our first home. Thank you, Dean!”

          Donald John Wilson, Google review

          Very informative and always prompt with responses

          “10/10 service! Dean is warm, pleasant, and friendly to speak with. He was very informative and always prompt with responses. He managed to secure me a mortgage deal I’m more than happy with. Great for first-time buyers who haven’t a clue what they’re doing (like me!). Would definitely come back to Dean in the future for any other mortgage needs. Thanks Dean!”

          Harriet Turmore, Google review

          5. Martin Mortgage Services

          martin-mortgage-services

          Address: 22 Montrose St

          Phone: +44 141 465 3646
          Business hours:

          • Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
          • Saturday to Sunday: Closed

          Website

          Martin Mortgage Services stood out to us not because it’s an oversized firm, but because it’s the opposite. It seems to be just Martin, working one-on-one with clients.

          What makes his service appealing is that it’s completely free. There are no hidden advisor fees, no “admin costs” tacked on later. For anyone just starting out, especially first-time buyers, that’s a good thing.

          He also has access to a wide panel of lenders. He can source deals you won’t find on the high street, including some exclusives.

          One client mentioned that after speaking with him years ago, Martin stayed in touch. When the timing was right, he helped them finally secure a mortgage tailored to their circumstances. 

          But perhaps the most standout thing is his communication. We’ve heard multiple reviews describing how he strips away the technical jargon and walks clients through each step with clarity. 

          No matter how personal his service might feel, it has its cons, though. Since Martin runs the operation himself, it could feel limiting during busy periods. 

          If you prefer a larger team on hand or expect rapid turnaround times, this firm may not be the one for you. 

          Pros

          • Free, impartial advice
          • Wide lender access
          • Personal, one-on-one service
          • Excellent communication
          • Long-term support
          • Takes note of timing

          Cons

          • Single-person operation
          • Potential delays

            We can’t thank him enough for all his help

            “We would highly recommend Martin to anyone looking for a mortgage adviser, especially first-time buyers! My partner and I were absolutely clueless about where to start, but Martin explained everything with clarity and patience. Working with him was the smoothest part of our buying process, and we can’t thank him enough for all his help.”

            Gracie Lee, Google review

            Martin explained everything very clearly and was extremely helpful

            “Martin was recommended to me by a friend from work, and I could not be happier with the service he provided. He made applying for my first mortgage very straightforward and stress-free. Martin explained everything very clearly and was extremely helpful, always happy to answer any questions. I would highly recommend using Martin as your mortgage advisor, and I will certainly be using him again when the time comes to remortgage.”

            Amy Mcfadzean, Google review

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