What Is a Whole-of-Market Mortgage Broker (and Why It Matters)?

By James Evans, Director, TouchPoint Mortgages.

Couple meeting with a mortgage broker in West Sussex to compare mortgage options across the whole market.

What Is a Whole-of-Market Mortgage Broker (and Why It Matters)?

If you’re looking for the best mortgage deal, you’ve probably come across the term “whole-of-market mortgage broker.”

But what does that actually mean? And how is it different from walking into your bank or using a price comparison site?

 

In this blog, we’ll explain what a whole-of-market broker really is, how it benefits you, and how TouchPoint Mortgages fits into the picture — especially if you’re based in Littlehampton, Rustington, or West Sussex.

What Does “Whole-of-Market” Actually Mean?

A whole-of-market mortgage broker has access to a wide range of lenders across the market — not just a single bank or small panel of providers.

They’re not tied to one lender or limited to a few “partner deals.” Instead, they can search hundreds of mortgages across multiple banks, building societies, and specialist lenders to find the most suitable option for your needs.

 

⚠️ Important: Not all brokers are whole-of-market. Some only work with a restricted panel or certain high-street names.

Why It Makes a Difference to You

✅ 1. More choice = better deals

You’re not just seeing the tip of the iceberg — you get access to a much wider range of rates, terms, and features.

✅ 2. Tailored recommendations

A whole-of-market broker looks at your full circumstances and matches you with the right lender — not just whoever’s easiest to place.

✅ 3. Exclusive deals

 

Some lenders only deal with brokers and don’t advertise to the public. You could access lower rates or better terms that you’d never find online.

What Kind of Mortgages Can Whole-of-Market Brokers Help With?

At TouchPoint Mortgages, we can help with:

  • First-time buyer mortgages

  • Remortgages

  • Homemover mortgages

  • Porting existing deals

  • Self-employed & complex income cases

  • Buy-to-let and let-to-buy

  • Shared ownership and affordable housing schemes

 

Looking to switch your current deal? Visit our Remortgages page

Are Whole-of-Market Brokers Independent?

Yes — but it’s worth checking exactly what that means. Some brokers say they’re “whole-of-market” but still have exclusions or restrictions.

 

At TouchPoint Mortgages, we’re part of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, which gives us access to a broad lender panel, including many exclusive deals not available online or on the high street.

How Much Does It Cost to Use a Whole-of-Market Broker?

In most cases, your initial advice is free. At TouchPoint, we don’t charge any upfront fees for our first meeting — we’ll only charge a fee if and when you apply, and that’s always agreed in advance.

 

There are no hidden costs, and we’ll always explain your options clearly.

Final Thoughts

A whole-of-market mortgage broker gives you more choice, better advice, and a tailored service that’s built around you — not the banks.

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up the ladder, or refinancing, we’ll help you make an informed choice — quickly and stress-free.

 

👉 Explore your mortgage options with TouchPoint today
👉 Ready to move? Check out our Homemovers guide
👉 Learn more about porting your mortgage