Younger borrowers hit hardest by mortgage advice fees

Younger borrowers are being hit disproportionately hard by mortgage advice fees, according to new research from L&C Mortgages.

More than nine in ten (91%) borrowers aged 18–34 said they were charged a broker fee when taking mortgage advice. This compares with 64% of those aged 45–54, and just 42% of borrowers over 55.

Not only are younger borrowers more likely to pay a fee, but they are also far more likely to be charged a percentage of the mortgage value. Almost half (49%) of 18–34 year-olds paid a percentage-based fee, more than double the proportion of 45–54 year-olds (21%). Fewer than one in ten over-55s (9%) reported paying a percentage fee.

Among younger borrowers paying a percentage fee, two thirds (66%) were charged between 0.5% and 1% of the mortgage amount. Where a flat fee applied, more than nine in ten (96%) 18–34 year-olds paid between £250 and £999.

When buying, more than half of 18-34 year olds (53%) also said they felt pressure from an estate agent to use their recommended or connected broker, compared to 22% of 45-54 year olds and 1 in 9 (12%) of over 55s.

David Hollingworth, associate director at L&C Mortgages, said: “Younger borrowers are far more likely to be hit with broker fees, and often the more expensive types of fees. Mortgage advice is crucial for those with less experience, but that advice doesn’t need to come with an unnecessary, additional cost.

“Many younger buyers are already struggling with deposits, moving costs and rising living expenses. Adding hundreds or even thousands of pounds in advice fees only eats into deposit savings and increases the long-term cost."