Mortgage brokers reviewed

Better mortgages review

Better.co.uk (formerly Trussle) is a fee-free online mortgage broker with access to 100+ lenders. Here's our independent look at what it offers, what it costs, and how it compares.

  • Access expert advice with no pressure to proceed
  • We compare a wide range of lenders and brokers
  • Independent review, not a paid placement

Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Is Better.co.uk a good mortgage broker?

Better.co.uk (formerly Trussle) is a fee-free online mortgage broker that gives customers access to over 100 lenders and 12,000+ mortgage deals. It holds a 4.8 out of 5 Trustpilot rating from more than 9,000 reviews and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

  • Best for: first-time buyers and remortgagers who want a straightforward, digital-first service with no broker fees
  • Key strengths: fee-free for most customers, a wide lender panel, strong customer reviews, and an easy-to-use online platform
  • Key weaknesses: no access to direct-only lenders, a £199 fee for adverse credit cases, and an online-first approach that may not suit everyone

Overall, Better.co.uk is a solid option if you want fee-free advice through a modern platform, though if your circumstances are complex or you'd rather speak to someone face to face, it's worth comparing alternatives too.

About Better.co.uk

If you're researching Better mortgages, you'll come across Better.co.uk (formerly Trussle) fairly quickly. It's one of the UK's longest-running digital mortgage brokers, and in this review we look at what it offers, what it costs, and how it compares with other online brokers.

Better.co.uk started life as Trussle in 2015, becoming the UK's first fully digital mortgage broker. The company pioneered the use of technology to simplify mortgage applications, moving away from lengthy phone calls and in-person meetings.

In 2020, Trussle became directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, having previously operated as an appointed representative of Mortgage Advice Bureau. The company was acquired by US-based Better Home & Finance Holding Company in 2021, leading to the rebrand from Trussle to Better.co.uk in 2022. In May 2025, OneDome, a UK property platform, acquired Better.co.uk to expand its homebuying services.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.

Quick verdict summary

Feature
Details
Overall rating
4.2/5
Best for
First-time buyers, remortgagers, buy-to-let
Broker fee
Free (£199 for adverse credit)
Lender panel
100+ lenders, 12,000+ deals
Mortgage types
Residential, remortgage, buy-to-let
Processing time
2-6 weeks typical
Trustpilot rating
4.8/5 (9,000+ reviews)
Financial Conduct Authority regulated
Yes
Founded
2015 (as Trussle)
Parent company
OneDome (acquired May 2025)

Company milestones

  • December 2015: Trussle launches as the UK's first online mortgage broker
  • April 2016: First mortgage submission
  • August 2017: Reaches £100 million in loans submitted
  • June 2019: Hits £1 billion in loans submitted
  • December 2020: Becomes directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority
  • July 2021: Acquired by US company Better.com
  • December 2022: Rebrands from Trussle to Better.co.uk
  • May 2025: Acquired by OneDome

Market position

Better.co.uk sits among the UK's leading online mortgage brokers, alongside competitors like Habito, Mojo Mortgages, and London & Country. According to industry data, the combined OneDome group (which now includes Better.co.uk) facilitates over £3.5 billion in annual mortgage lending and processes around 1,100 property transactions a month. The company operates with a network of over 105 mortgage advisors and employs more than 230 property professionals across the group.

Regulation and security

Better.co.uk (trading as Trussle Lab Ltd) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check this on the Financial Services Register.

This regulation means Better.co.uk must meet strict standards for customer care, advice quality, and complaint handling. If something goes wrong, you're protected by the Financial Ombudsman Service and may be eligible for compensation through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Mortgage types

What mortgages does Better.co.uk offer?

Residential mortgages

First-time buyer and home mover deals, including fixed-rate terms of 2, 3, 5, and 10 years, plus tracker and discount variable-rate options.

Remortgages

Like-for-like remortgages, capital raising, and rate switching if your current deal is coming to an end.

Buy-to-let mortgages

Standard buy-to-let, portfolio landlord, first-time landlord, and HMO mortgages through specialist lenders.

Lender panel and other products

Better.co.uk is a mortgage broker, not a lender, so it doesn't provide mortgages directly. Instead, it searches the market on your behalf and recommends suitable products from a panel of over 100 lenders.

Other products

  • Secured loans (homeowner loans)
  • Protection insurance (life cover, income protection)
  • SmartBuyer service (conveyancing and surveys)

Lender panel snapshot

Panel
Examples
High street lenders
Halifax, Barclays, Santander, NatWest, HSBC, Nationwide, TSB, Virgin Money
Specialist lenders
Accord Mortgages, Aldermore, Atom Bank, Bluestone Mortgages, Foundation Home Loans, Kensington, Metro Bank, Precise Mortgages, Skipton Building Society, Together Money
Not on panel (direct-only)
Chelsea Building Society, Co-operative Bank, Cumberland Building Society, First Direct, Lloyds Bank, Yorkshire Building Society

Some lenders don't work with brokers, which means Better.co.uk can't access their products. If you're set on one of these, you'll need to apply to them directly.

Good to know

Lawrence Howlett

A wide lender panel improves your odds of finding a suitable deal, but no broker, however large their panel, can access every lender on the market. If a specific direct-only lender matters to you, check they're not on the exclusion list before committing to any broker.

Lawrence Howlett,Founder of Money Saving Advisors

Compare your options

Not sure if Better.co.uk's lender panel covers you?

We compare a wide range of lenders and brokers to help you find options that match your circumstances.

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How much does Better.co.uk cost?

Better.co.uk is fee-free for most customers.

Broker fees

Customer type
Fee
Standard applications
£0 (fee-free)
Adverse credit applications
£199 (refunded if no suitable lender is found)

How Better.co.uk makes money

Like most fee-free brokers, Better.co.uk earns commission from lenders when you complete a mortgage through them. This commission comes from the lender's marketing budget, not from you, and Better.co.uk states that advisor pay isn't linked to commission levels.

Other costs to expect

While Better.co.uk's own service is free, you'll still face standard mortgage costs from your lender and your legal team. Some lenders offer free legal work or free valuations as an incentive, and an advisor can help you identify these deals.

Other costs to expect

Cost
Typical range
Lender product fees
£0 to £2,000+, depending on the deal
Valuation fee
£150 to £1,500, depending on property value
Booking fee
£50 to £200 (charged by some lenders)
Conveyancing
£800 to £1,500 typically
Searches
£200 to £400
Land Registry fee
£90 to £500, based on property price

Expert insight

Lawrence Howlett

The £199 adverse credit fee is refunded if no suitable lender can be found, so you're not paying for a service that doesn't deliver. Ask any broker upfront whether a fee applies to your circumstances and under what conditions it's refunded.

Lawrence Howlett,Founder of Money Saving Advisors

Application process

How Better.co.uk works

1

Create your profile

Answer questions about your situation, property details, financial information, and employment status. This stage uses a soft credit check, which doesn't affect your credit score. It usually takes 10-15 minutes.

2

Get your mortgage in principle

Once your profile is complete, Better.co.uk can issue a Mortgage in Principle (MIP) showing sellers and estate agents you're a serious buyer. This is usually ready within 24 hours, often the same day.

3

Receive your recommendation

A dedicated mortgage advisor reviews your profile and recommends suitable mortgages, explaining the reasoning, total costs, and any potential issues with your application. This typically takes 1-2 days.

4

Submit your application

Upload supporting documents through Better.co.uk's secure portal, including proof of ID, address, income, and bank statements. This usually takes 1-2 days.

5

Underwriting and valuation

Your application goes to the lender for a full credit check and property valuation while underwriters review your documentation. Your case manager keeps you updated throughout. This stage typically takes 1-3 weeks.

6

Receive your mortgage offer

If everything goes smoothly, you'll receive a formal mortgage offer, typically 2-4 weeks from application, though complex cases can take longer.

7

Complete your purchase

Work with your solicitor to complete. Better.co.uk's SmartBuyer service can connect you with conveyancers and surveyors if you need them.

How long does Better.co.uk take?

Timelines vary depending on how straightforward your application is.

Typical timelines

Application type
Average time to offer
Straightforward purchase
2-3 weeks
Remortgage
2-4 weeks
Complex cases
4-6 weeks
Buy-to-let
3-4 weeks

Customer service and support

Better.co.uk offers several ways to get in touch, and customers can manage most of their application online or through the app.

How to contact Better.co.uk

Method
Availability
Phone
Monday to Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-4pm
Email
24/7, response within 24 hours
App messaging
24/7, response within 24 hours
Live chat
Business hours, usually immediate

What customers say about the service

Better.co.uk consistently receives praise for:

  • Responsiveness: advisors typically reply quickly
  • Clear communication: jargon-free explanations
  • Proactive updates: keeping customers informed throughout
  • Persistence: finding solutions for tricky cases

Common complaints include delays during busy periods, technical issues with the online portal, and communication gaps when cases move between team members.

Dedicated advisor model

Each customer is assigned a mortgage advisor for recommendations and a case manager for application handling. This split can sometimes cause confusion, but generally works well.

Rate monitoring

A standout feature is that Better.co.uk monitors rates after issuing your recommendation. If a better deal becomes available before completion, they'll let you know and help you switch if it makes sense for your circumstances.

Want a second opinion on your mortgage options?

Speak to an advisor about your circumstances before you commit to any broker.

Pros and cons of Better.co.uk

Advantages

  • Fee-free for most customers: unlike traditional brokers who often charge £300-£500+, Better.co.uk's service is free for standard applications, which saves you money upfront.
  • Wide lender access: with 100+ lenders and 12,000+ deals, Better.co.uk searches a broad market, including both mainstream and specialist lenders.
  • Strong customer reviews: a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from over 9,000 reviews reflects consistent customer satisfaction, with most positive reviews highlighting helpful advisors and smooth processes.
  • Digital convenience: you can complete your application online at any time, without scheduling appointments or taking time off work, and track progress through the app.
  • Rate monitoring: Better.co.uk continues checking rates until your mortgage completes, potentially finding you a better deal even after you've applied.

Disadvantages

  • No direct-only deals: some lenders, including First Direct, Lloyds, and Yorkshire Building Society, don't work with brokers. If their deals suit you best, you'll need to apply separately.
  • Fee for adverse credit: most customers pay nothing, but those with credit issues face a £199 fee. This is lower than many traditional brokers, but worth factoring in.
  • Online-first may not suit everyone: if you prefer face-to-face advice or find technology frustrating, Better.co.uk's digital approach might not work for you.
  • Recent ownership changes: two ownership changes since 2021 (Better.com, then OneDome) may concern some customers about stability, though the service has remained consistent.
  • Limited complex case expertise: while Better.co.uk handles many situations well, very complex cases such as large portfolios, unusual income, or specialist properties might benefit from a dedicated specialist broker.

Alternatives

How Better.co.uk compares to competitors

Habito

A similarly sized lender panel and a slightly higher Trustpilot score, plus its own in-house mortgage product if you want an alternative to a broker search.

Mojo Mortgages

A smaller lender panel but a faster initial eligibility check, useful if you want a quick, straightforward application.

London & Country

A larger, phone-based team with strong experience handling complex cases, if you'd rather not manage everything online.

Better.co.uk vs the alternatives in detail

Better.co.uk vs Habito

Feature
Better.co.uk / Habito
Broker fee
Free (£199 adverse) / Free
Lender panel
100+ lenders / 90+ lenders
Trustpilot rating
4.8/5 / 4.9/5
Direct-only deals
No / Yes (will point you to them)
Additional services
SmartBuyer, secured loans / Habito One (in-house mortgages)
Best for
Wide lender choice / All-in-one service

Choose Better.co.uk if you want access to the widest possible lender panel and value the rate monitoring service.

Choose Habito if you want a broker who'll tell you about direct-only deals even if they can't arrange them, or you're interested in Habito's own mortgage product.

Better.co.uk vs Mojo Mortgages

Feature
Better.co.uk / Mojo
Broker fee
Free (£199 adverse) / Free
Lender panel
100+ lenders / 70+ lenders
Trustpilot rating
4.8/5 / 4.9/5
Application process
Detailed online form / Quick 60-second eligibility check
Support style
Dedicated advisor / Team-based support
Best for
Hands-on guidance / Quick, simple applications

Choose Better.co.uk if you want a dedicated advisor relationship and more personalised service throughout.

Choose Mojo if you want the quickest possible process and have straightforward circumstances.

Better.co.uk vs London & Country

Feature
Better.co.uk / L&C
Broker fee
Free (£199 adverse) / Free
Lender panel
100+ lenders / 90+ lenders
Trustpilot rating
4.8/5 / 4.6/5
Service style
Digital-first / Phone-focused
Complex cases
Good / Excellent
Best for
Digital convenience / Complex situations

Choose Better.co.uk if you prefer managing everything online and want a modern, app-based experience.

Choose London & Country if you prefer speaking to someone over the phone and have a more complex situation requiring expert guidance.

Why compare mortgage brokers before you apply?

Every broker's lender panel and service style is different.

  • Access to lenders not available on the high street
  • Advisors who explain your realistic options, not just one broker's panel
  • Access expert advice with no pressure to proceed

Who should use Better.co.uk?

Ideal for

First-time buyers. Better.co.uk's clear explanations, digital tools, and fee-free service make it a good fit for those new to mortgages. Its mortgage and stamp duty calculators help you understand costs before committing.

Remortgagers. If your current deal is ending, Better.co.uk can search the market efficiently, and its rate monitoring means you won't miss better deals that appear during the process.

Buy-to-let investors. With access to specialist buy-to-let lenders and experience handling rental property mortgages, Better.co.uk works well for landlords, including portfolio lending.

Tech-savvy borrowers. If you're comfortable with online platforms and prefer managing things digitally rather than through phone calls, you'll appreciate Better.co.uk's approach.

Time-poor professionals. Round-the-clock online access means you can progress your application during evenings and weekends, without taking time off work for broker appointments.

May not suit

Those with very complex circumstances. Multiple income sources, unusual employment, complex tax situations, or large property portfolios might benefit from a specialist broker with deeper expertise in these areas.

People who prefer face-to-face advice. Better.co.uk doesn't offer in-person meetings. If you want to sit down with someone and discuss your options, consider a local broker instead.

Those set on direct-only lenders. If you know you want a product from First Direct, Lloyds, or another lender not on Better.co.uk's panel, you'll need to apply directly.

Very adverse credit situations. While Better.co.uk has specialist lenders on its panel, severe credit issues such as recent repossessions or serious debt problems might be better served by a dedicated adverse credit specialist. If you're worried about problem debt, free and impartial guidance is available from MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777.

Decision checklist

Consider Better.co.uk if:

  • You want fee-free mortgage advice
  • You're comfortable with online or digital services
  • You have straightforward to moderately complex circumstances
  • You want access to 100+ lenders
  • You value good customer service and reviews

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need access to direct-only lenders
  • You prefer face-to-face meetings
  • Your circumstances are very complex
  • You have serious adverse credit issues

Our verdict: is Better.co.uk worth it?

Better.co.uk has built a reputation as one of the UK's leading online mortgage brokers. Its combination of fee-free service, wide lender access, and strong customer reviews makes it a compelling option for most borrowers.

Rating breakdown

Category
Score
Rates and fees
5/5
Lender panel
4/5
Customer service
4/5
Process speed
4/5
Technology
4/5
Overall
4.2/5

Final recommendation

Better.co.uk could work well for:

  • First-time buyers who want guidance without fees
  • Remortgagers looking to compare deals across the market
  • Anyone who prefers digital, app-based services
  • Buy-to-let investors with straightforward situations

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need access to specific direct-only lenders
  • Your circumstances are highly complex
  • You strongly prefer in-person advice

Better.co.uk won't suit everyone, but for many UK homebuyers and remortgagers, it offers solid value. The fee-free service, wide lender panel, and consistently positive customer feedback make it worth considering alongside other brokers.

How to apply through Money Saving Advisors

Better.co.uk is one of several digital mortgage brokers worth considering. At Money Saving Advisors, we help you compare your choices, including specialist mortgage brokers who search a wide range of lenders.

Why compare through us

  • We compare a wide range of lenders and brokers across the market
  • Access expert advice with no pressure to proceed
  • We can help even if you've been declined elsewhere
  • Advisors assess your specific situation before recommending anything

Three ways to proceed

  1. Check your mortgage options. See what you could borrow and compare deals available to you. This takes a couple of minutes and doesn't affect your credit score.
  2. Compare Better.co.uk to alternatives. We search a wide range of lenders to find options suited to your circumstances.
  3. Speak to a specialist. Discuss your situation with an advisor who can explain your realistic options.

What happens when you contact us

  • We assess your specific needs
  • We check which lenders suit your circumstances
  • We compare options across a wide range of lenders
  • We help you proceed with the option that's right for you

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Better.co.uk (operating as Trussle Lab Ltd) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It's also registered with the Information Commissioner's Office for data protection. You can verify its authorisation on the Financial Conduct Authority's Financial Services Register.

For most customers, yes. Better.co.uk doesn't charge a broker fee for standard mortgage applications. However, if you have an adverse credit history, there's a £199 administration fee. You'll still pay normal mortgage costs like lender fees and legal fees.

Its initial eligibility check uses a soft search that doesn't affect your credit score. When you formally apply for a mortgage, the lender performs a hard search which does appear on your credit report. This is the same whether you use a broker or apply directly.

Most straightforward applications receive a mortgage offer within 2-3 weeks. Complex cases may take 4-6 weeks. Getting a Mortgage in Principle is much faster, usually same-day or within 24 hours.

Better.co.uk compares deals across 100+ lenders, giving it access to a wide range of the market. However, it can't access products from lenders who don't work with brokers, such as First Direct and Lloyds Bank.

Trussle rebranded to Better.co.uk in December 2022 following its acquisition by US company Better.com. The service remained essentially the same, just with a new name. In May 2025, Better.co.uk was acquired by UK property platform OneDome.

Yes. Better.co.uk has specialist lenders on its panel who consider applicants with credit issues. However, there's a £199 fee for adverse credit applications, and you'll likely face higher rates than someone with a clean credit history.

No. Better.co.uk is a broker, not a lender. It searches products from other lenders and recommends suitable options rather than offering its own mortgage products.

Yes. Better.co.uk handles buy-to-let purchases and remortgages. It has specialist buy-to-let lenders on its panel and can help both first-time landlords and experienced investors. Most buy-to-let mortgages aren't regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Typically you'll need proof of ID (passport or driving licence), proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), proof of income (payslips, P60, or tax returns if self-employed), and bank statements (usually 3 months). Better.co.uk's portal lets you upload these securely.

You can reach Better.co.uk by phone during business hours (Monday to Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-4pm), via email, through its website, or using its mobile app. Email is often fastest for general queries.

Often, yes. Better.co.uk searches 100+ lenders, potentially surfacing deals you wouldn't find on your own. Its service is free, it handles paperwork, and it monitors rates throughout your application. Going direct makes sense mainly if you're certain you want a lender that isn't on its panel.

What our clients say

Reviews from real customers

"Clear, Thorough and Empathetic"

Shortly after I spoke with Anna, she was also very helpful and made it effortless and a nice experience.

5/5
Tyler Elsworthy

"Helped us make an informed decision"

Had a really good experience regarding arranging a secured loan. They introduced me to a great advisor. Thanks for the help.

5/5
Dana Huggins

"Highly recommnded"

For once a loan transaction without stress and complications. Very impressed and highly recommended.

5/5
Alex Pearce

"Exceptional service from start to finish"

Thrilled to share my exceptional experience with Money Saving Advisors. The website made it incredibly simple and easy to connect with an advisor. They helped me find the best deal on my remortgage and secured a very competitive interest rate!

5/5
Aaron Humphreys
GB

"Great advice and money saved"

Great advice and money saved on mortgage.

5/5
Ace
GB

"Amazing service!"

I have previously declined a loan of the value I needed from various brokers, but this website found me a reputable broker with surprisingly decent rates.

5/5
Alex Jones
GB

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This article was written by:

Lawrence Howlett
Lawrence Howlett

Founder of Money Saving Advisors

Lawrence Howlett brings a results-driven mindset to his writing, shaped by over a decade of experience across finance, legal, and energy sectors. As the founder of Moneysavingadvisors, he’s built a reputation for turning complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights for consumers. His writing stands out for its clarity, structure, and focus on delivering value.

Article last updated 19 July 2026

Reviewed by Nick McDonald on 19 July 2026