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Mortgages
L&C (London & Country) is the UK's largest fee-free mortgage broker, comparing a wide range of lenders to help first-time buyers, home movers, and remortgagers find a suitable deal.
L&C Mortgages (London & Country) is a fee-free mortgage broker that has been operating since 1999 and compares more than 90 lenders to find mortgage deals for its customers.
Borrowers with complex circumstances, or those who prefer a fully digital experience, may find alternatives like Habito more convenient. As with any broker, it's worth comparing your options before deciding.
Before you decide
L&C is one broker among many. We connect you with mortgage advisors who compare a wide range of lenders to find options that suit your circumstances.
L&C Mortgages (London & Country Mortgages Ltd) is a mortgage broker that helps you find and apply for mortgages from across the market, rather than being tied to one lender's products.
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Bath, L&C has grown to become the UK's largest fee-free mortgage broker, with more than 160 industry awards and a track record of helping over two million people find a mortgage.
L&C compares more than 90 lenders to find deals that match your circumstances, including major high street banks such as Barclays and HSBC, as well as smaller building societies and specialist lenders.
L&C is a broker, not a lender. They don't provide mortgages directly - they search, recommend, and help you apply for mortgages from other lenders on their panel.
L&C's service is fee-free to customers. Like most mortgage brokers, they're paid commission by the lender when your mortgage completes. This commission doesn't affect your rate - you pay the same as you would going direct to the lender.
According to L&C's terms of business, they receive payment directly from lenders and choose not to charge customers an additional fee on top. This business model has helped them build one of the UK's largest mortgage broking operations.
Getting a mortgage through L&C follows a straightforward process, though it's worth knowing that their service is primarily telephone-based rather than fully online.
You can start by calling L&C directly or completing their online Mortgage Finder form. The form asks basic questions about your situation, including property value, deposit amount, income, and what type of mortgage you need.
Within a day or two, an L&C advisor will call you to discuss your needs in detail. This initial fact-finding call typically takes 30-60 minutes as they gather information about your finances, employment, and mortgage requirements.
Based on your circumstances, your advisor searches across their lender panel to find mortgages you're likely to qualify for. They'll explain the options, including the rates, fees, and features of different deals.
L&C compares a wide range of lenders, meaning they can recommend mortgages from any lender on their panel rather than only those paying the highest commission. That said, they can't access deals that are only available direct from lenders.
Once you've chosen a mortgage, L&C helps you complete the application. They've invested in digital tools, including an online portal where you can upload documents, track your application progress, and message your case manager.
You'll be assigned a dedicated case manager who handles your application from submission to completion. They'll chase lenders for updates, request valuations, and keep you informed throughout.
After the lender approves your mortgage and issues an offer, your solicitor handles the legal work. L&C can recommend conveyancing services, though you're free to choose your own solicitor.
L&C provides advice across most mortgage types, making them suitable for a wide range of borrowers.
First-time buyers: L&C has extensive experience helping first-time buyers purchase their first home. Advisors explain each step of the process and can access schemes like shared ownership and Help to Buy, where still available.
Home movers: If you're moving house, L&C can help you port your existing mortgage or find a new deal that suits your next property.
Remortgages: One of L&C's strongest areas. They proactively contact existing customers before their deal ends to help them avoid slipping onto an expensive standard variable rate. See our remortgage guide for more detail.
Buy-to-let: L&C can arrange mortgages for landlords, both first-time and experienced. Most buy-to-let mortgages aren't regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, so you won't have the same protections as with a residential mortgage.
Self-employed: Advisors understand how to present irregular income to lenders and know which lenders are more flexible with self-employed applicants.
Adverse credit: L&C works with specialist lenders who consider applicants with past credit issues, though options may be more limited and rates higher than mainstream deals.
Beyond mortgages
L&C doesn't have its own eligibility criteria - as a broker, eligibility depends on individual lenders' requirements. That said, here's what you'll typically need.
Age: Most lenders accept applicants aged 18 to 75, though some specialist lenders go higher. The maximum age at the end of the mortgage term varies by lender.
Deposit: A minimum 5% deposit is typical for first-time buyer mortgages, though more options open up at 10%, 15%, and 20%+ deposits.
Income: You'll need proof of regular income. Employed applicants typically need 3 months' payslips and their latest P60. Self-employed applicants usually need 2-3 years' accounts or SA302 tax calculations.
Credit history: Lenders check your credit file. A better credit score gives you access to more competitive deals, but L&C can help find options for those with an imperfect credit history.
L&C's mortgage advice is fee-free. You won't pay anything for their time, recommendations, or application support, whether you're a first-time buyer, remortgaging, or buying a buy-to-let property.
L&C doesn't set mortgage rates - they're determined by individual lenders. What you're offered through L&C's panel depends on factors including:
Because L&C compares more than 90 lenders, they can often find competitive deals that you might miss searching on your own. That said, they can't access exclusive, direct-only deals from some lenders.
While L&C's advice is fee-free, lenders charge their own fees.
L&C's advisors factor these fees into their recommendations, helping you understand the total cost rather than just the headline rate.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
L&C has strong customer ratings across major review platforms, though feedback is mixed on certain aspects of service.
L&C holds a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot from over 17,000 reviews, earning an Excellent classification. Approximately 80% of reviews award 5 stars, with fewer than 10% giving 1 star.
On Reviews.co.uk, L&C scores 4.67/5 from around 1,500 reviews, with 83% rating them as Excellent.
Helpful and knowledgeable advisors: customers consistently mention specific advisors by name, praising their patience in explaining mortgage options and answering questions.
Christopher Humpherson was brilliant on our phone consultations, he was very patient with all our questions and guided us through the process step by step. - First-time buyer, Trustpilot
Smooth application process: many reviewers highlight how L&C reduced the stress of their mortgage application, handling lender communications and chasing updates.
Good deals found: customers report that L&C found more competitive deals than they'd found themselves, or accessed deals they didn't know existed.
Online portal: recent reviews praise improvements to L&C's online tracking system, making it easier to upload documents and monitor progress.
Communication inconsistency: the most common complaint relates to communication. Some customers report difficulty reaching their case manager, slow email responses, or long waits for callbacks.
Really good and convenient way to find mortgages, but the communication from certain staff is absolutely poor. I have not heard from my case manager since the first week of our application. - Trustpilot reviewer
Service varies by advisor: because L&C is a large operation with hundreds of staff, experience varies depending on which advisor you're assigned. Some customers report excellent service while others from the same period describe poor experiences.
Not suitable for complex cases: some reviewers with complicated circumstances, such as unusual income or complex property types, felt that L&C's volume-focused model didn't provide the detailed attention their case needed.
L&C's customer feedback is genuinely positive overall, but the complaints about communication are worth noting. As a high-volume operation, service quality can vary between advisors. If you're assigned someone responsive and attentive, the experience is typically excellent. If communication breaks down, it can be frustrating.
If you're struggling to reach your advisor or case manager, don't hesitate to escalate through L&C's customer service team. They can reassign your case if needed.
Weighing up L&C's strengths and weaknesses can help you decide whether they're the right broker for your circumstances.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Primarily telephone-based
Unlike digital-first brokers, L&C relies heavily on phone calls. If you prefer managing everything online or via chat, this may feel dated.
Communication can be inconsistent
As a large operation, some customers experience delays in responses or difficulty reaching their specific contact.
No face-to-face option
If you prefer sitting down with someone in person, L&C's remote-only model may not suit you.
Can't access direct-only deals
Some lenders offer their most competitive rates only to customers who apply directly. L&C can't access these exclusive products.
Variable advisor quality
With hundreds of staff, experience depends on who you're assigned. Some advisors are excellent; others receive criticism.
Choose L&C if: you prefer speaking to someone on the phone and want a traditional broker relationship with a named advisor.
Choose Habito if: you want to manage everything online, prefer live chat to phone calls, and value a slick digital experience.
Choose L&C if: you want fee-free advice and have a relatively straightforward mortgage need.
Choose John Charcol if: you have complex circumstances, such as unusual income, a specialist property, or adverse credit, and are willing to pay for more specialist expertise.
Choose L&C if: you want to compare multiple lenders and get advice on which suits your situation.
Go direct if: you know exactly which lender and product you want, and that lender offers better deals to direct customers. Read our full mortgage broker vs direct comparison for more detail.
L&C is a good fit if you:
L&C may not be ideal if you:
L&C Mortgages is a reliable, established broker that delivers on its fee-free promise. With access to 90+ lenders and over two decades of experience, they're well-equipped to help most homebuyers find a competitive mortgage deal.
Who it's best for: L&C suits borrowers who want professional mortgage advice without paying broker fees, don't mind phone-based service, and have relatively straightforward circumstances. First-time buyers and remortgagers with good credit will likely have a positive experience.
Who should look elsewhere: those with complex needs, such as unusual income, specialist properties, or significant adverse credit, may benefit from a specialist broker who charges a fee. Borrowers who prefer digital-first service should consider alternatives like Habito or Better.co.uk.
Final rating: 4/5. L&C remains one of the UK's best options for fee-free mortgage advice, though newer digital brokers have raised customer expectations around communication and convenience.
It's still worth comparing your options. We connect people with mortgage specialists who compare a wide range of lenders to find the right deal for their circumstances, with no pressure to proceed.
Common questions
Yes, L&C Mortgages is a legitimate mortgage broker regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. They've been operating since 1999 and you can verify their registration on the Financial Conduct Authority's Financial Services Register.
No, L&C's mortgage advice service is fee-free. They're paid commission by the lender when your mortgage completes, but this doesn't affect your rate or add to your costs.
Typical mortgage applications take 15-20 days from submission to mortgage offer, though this varies by lender. Simple remortgages can be faster, sometimes under two weeks, while complex cases may take longer. Property valuations, document requests, and lender workload all affect timelines.
Yes, L&C arranges buy-to-let mortgages for both new and experienced landlords. Most buy-to-let mortgages aren't regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, so you won't have the same protections as with a residential mortgage.
L&C performs a soft credit check initially, which doesn't affect your credit score. When you formally apply for a mortgage, the lender performs a hard credit check that appears on your credit file.
Yes, L&C works with specialist lenders who consider applicants with adverse credit histories. Options may be more limited and rates higher, but their advisors can search for suitable deals based on your circumstances. If you're worried about problem debt or feel vulnerable, free and impartial guidance is available from MoneyHelper (moneyhelper.org.uk or 0800 138 7777).
You can call L&C on 0800 073 2310 (free from mobiles and landlines) or start online at their website. Phone lines are open Monday to Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 10am-4pm.
Yes, L&C can arrange a mortgage in principle, also called an agreement in principle or decision in principle, typically within 1-2 days. This gives you an indication of how much you can borrow to show estate agents when house hunting.
Yes, L&C has experience arranging mortgages for self-employed applicants. You'll typically need 2-3 years of accounts or SA302 tax calculations, though some lenders accept less. Their advisors know which lenders are more flexible with self-employed income.
Yes, L&C provides an online portal where you can upload documents, track your application progress, and message your case manager. Recent improvements have made this more user-friendly than in previous years.
If L&C can't find a suitable mortgage from their panel, they'll explain why and suggest alternatives. This might include waiting to improve your credit score, saving a larger deposit, or trying a specialist broker who focuses on your particular situation.
L&C can compare 90+ lenders, while your bank only offers its own products. This usually means L&C can find more competitive deals. Banks occasionally offer exclusive deals to existing customers though, so it's worth checking both. L&C doesn't charge for their advice, so there's little downside to seeing what they can find.
L&C offers telephone-based service with dedicated advisors, while Habito is digital-first with online chat and app-based management. Both are fee-free and compare a wide range of lenders. L&C suits those who prefer phone conversations; Habito suits those who prefer managing everything online.
You'll typically need ID, such as a passport or driving licence, proof of income (payslips, P60, or accounts), bank statements from the last 3 months, and proof of deposit. For remortgages, you'll also need your current mortgage statement.
No, you pay the same mortgage rate through L&C as you would going direct to the lender. L&C's commission is paid by the lender and doesn't increase your costs.
What our clients say
Shortly after I spoke with Anna, she was also very helpful and made it effortless and a nice experience.
Had a really good experience regarding arranging a secured loan. They introduced me to a great advisor. Thanks for the help.
For once a loan transaction without stress and complications. Very impressed and highly recommended.
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!
Great advice and money saved on mortgage.
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.
Mortgages
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