What is a Whole-of-Market Mortgage Broker? | When Sarah began searching for her first home, she assumed all mortgage brokers worked the same way. After weeks of rejections and confusion, she finally asked a simple question: What is a Whole of Market Mortgage Broker, and why does it matter? That moment changed everything. Instead of being limited to a small panel of lenders, she found an adviser who could search the entire UK mortgage market, giving her real choice, a better context, and a mortgage that actually fit her circumstances.
What Is a Whole of Market Mortgage Broker?
A whole-of-market mortgage broker is an adviser who can search across most UK mortgage lenders, rather than being limited to a small panel or a single bank. This means they compare deals from high street banks, building societies, and specialist lenders to find a mortgage suited to your circumstances.
At Connect Mortgages, whole-of-market access enables advisers to consider hundreds of mortgage products, including residential, buy-to-let, specialist, and later-life options.
How Whole of Market Advice Works
A whole-of-market broker starts by understanding your income, deposit, credit history, and future plans. They then research lenders whose criteria match your profile, not just headline rates.
This approach is particularly useful if you are:
- Self-employed or a contractor
- Dealing with adverse credit
- Buying a non-standard property
- Looking for buy-to-let or specialist lending
You can learn more about tailored borrowing options through our Residential Mortgage services and Buy-to-Let Mortgage solutions.
Whole of Market vs Restricted Brokers
Restricted brokers can only recommend mortgages from a limited number of lenders. This may reduce choice and flexibility.
A whole of market mortgage broker offers:
- Wider lender access
- Greater flexibility on criteria
- More suitable long-term outcomes
- Better alignment with complex situations
This does not mean every lender is included, but it does mean advice is not driven by a narrow panel.
Why Whole of Market Matters
Mortgage rates and criteria change frequently. A whole-of-market approach helps ensure advice reflects the current market, not just a snapshot.
For borrowers with complex needs, such as those considering Adverse Credit Mortgages or Second Charge Mortgages, access to specialist lenders can be critical.
Why Choose Connect Mortgages
Connect Mortgages provides whole-of-market mortgage advice, supported by strong lender relationships and experienced advisers. We focus on suitability, clarity, and long-term outcomes rather than quick approvals.
We are part of the Connect Group. Connect Experts and Connect for Intermediaries are trading divisions of Connect IFA Ltd. This wider group structure strengthens our adviser network and market access.
If you are a mortgage professional looking to grow within a compliant and supportive network, you can Join Our Mortgage Network. If you are a consumer looking for local, regulated advice, you can “Find Mortgage Advisers” through Connect Experts.
Next Steps
Understanding what a whole-of-market mortgage broker is can make a significant difference to your mortgage journey. Speaking to an adviser early can save time, reduce stress, and improve outcomes.
Explore our Mortgage Advice services or contact Connect Mortgages to discuss your options.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with your mortgage repayments.
Thank you for reading our “What is a Whole-of-Market Mortgage Broker? | Connect Experts” publication. Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!



