The best blender is the perfect kitchen appliance for adding more healthy fruit and vegetables to your diet. Many blenders are designed to tackle even tough ingredients like kale, frozen berries, and ice cubes. Others come with heated cooking modes that can make a delicious soup or pasta sauce in a matter or minutes. Blenders come in a variety of sizes, from single-serve cups popularised by brands like NutriBullet, to classic jug blenders from Smeg or Ninja.

Each and every one of the best blenders in our guide has been tried, tested and reviewed by the Ideal Home team. This includes powerful but affordable choices that are perfect for morning smoothies, and mighty multi-serve blenders with cooking modes for crushing ice, blending fresh soups, and turning frozen ingredients into delicious ice creams.

In our guide to the best blenders, you’ll find models from Smeg, Ninja, NutriBullet, Sage, Magic Bullet, and Magimix. When we put them to the test in our blender reviews we took into account how easy they were to use and clean, as well as how they handled tricky ingredients like frozen fruit and tough green leaves. While some of the best blenders in our guide are designed purely for making drinks, you can also find models that have complete kitchen systems, with different blender cup sizes and even attachments to double up as the best food processors.

The 10 best blenders

1. NutriBullet Pro 900 Series Blender Set

Best blender overall

Type: Bullet blender
Dimensions:25.7 x 14.6 x 36 centimetres
Power: 900 watts
Reasons to buy:

• Immense power
• Couldn’t be easier to use
• Very smooth results
Reasons to avoid:

• Only one setting

If you love a morning smoothie or want to blend up smaller portions in one go, the NutriBullet Pro 900 Series Blender Set has everything you need. It has two sizes of blending cups, 909ml or 680ml, and a to-go lid for drinking on your commute or simply storing in your fridge. Other screw-on attachments include a handle and of course, the blending lid.

The cups are dishwasher-safe and also very easy to clean by hand. Although they’re made of (BPA-free) plastic, they are incredibly durable and won’t be breaking any time soon. Most impressive with the NutriBullet Pro 900 Series Blender Set is just how powerful it is. The 900-watt motor reaches 25,000 RPM as soon as you lock the blending cup into place and as soon as you want to switch it off you can just unscrew to stop the blending.

If you want a blender to make smoothies or soups out of ingredients with skins, seeds, and tough stems or leaves, the NutriBullet Pro 900 really is the perfect choice. It turns even tricky ingredients such as kale and frozen berries into deliciously smooth drinks or sauces.

Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars

2. Ninja Foodi HB150UK Blender and Soup Maker

Best blender for added functions

Type: Glass
Dimensions: 45 x 20 x 21.5 cm
Power: 1000 watts
Reasons to buy:

• Hot and cold blending
• Makes tasty soups from scratch
• Auto-IQ modes make blending hands-free

Reasons to avoid:

• Not dishwasher-safe

If it’s the best soup maker you’re looking for, look no further. Not only is the Ninja Foodi Blender and Soup Maker capable of making amazing smoothies, but it can also cook sauces and soups from scratch. The glass jug is sturdy and heat-proof, and while it can’t go in the dishwasher, there is an effective self-clean setting that did a good job of reaching all areas of the pitcher to remove residue.

There are plenty of blending modes: Smoothie, Dessert, Frozen drink, Milkshake, Smooth Soup, Chunky Soup, Jam, Sauce, Chop, and Saute. Each comes with pre-set Ninja Auto-IQ functions that control the blending power and timings for each setting. Even with solid, frozen ingredients, this blender was perfectly capable of making smooth, lump-free drinks.

Most impressive was the soup setting, which allowed us to add a whole onion, chop and saute it, and then top it up with raw carrots, cashews and butternut squash. At the end of the cooking cycle we had a fully cooked soup that was deliciously smooth and cooked through. Even ice was no trouble. After a few seconds, we had crushed whole cubes into margarita-ready shards.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

See our full Ninja Foodi Blender and Soup Maker review

3. Magimix Power Blender

Best blender for soups

Type: Glass
Dimensions: 26.8 x 20.8 x 46 cm
Power: 1300 watts
Reasons to buy: 

• Maximum power
• Glass jug
• Small design

Reasons to avoid:

• An expensive option

How much blending is too much? If you’re the sort of person who feels like you’re always second-guessing your appliance or over-processing, meet the Power Blender. It comes with five auto programmes (one of which is a time-saving self-cleaning setting) that help take the effort out of blitzing ice, smoothies, desserts and soups, alongside four speeds plus pulse for when you want more control.

On the design front, it’s everything you’d expect from Magimix – clearly labelled buttons and a dial, a choice of three classic finishes, easy drop-on jug, and a good balance between sturdy and stylish. However, there are some quirks to be aware of, such as 1.8-litre glass jug. It’s heavy even without anything in it, so pouring out accurately can be tricky. The push-on, pull-off lid can also be stubborn at first, and there’s a max run time of a minute. Beyond this, there’s a lot to love – the jug splits apart for cleaning, it’s all dishwasher-safe and you can blend soup that’s still relatively hot (up to 60 degrees C) so you don’t have to wait long after cooking.

Its smoothie programme, which was a gradual ramping up of speed, followed by low then high, took about 30 seconds to whiz through a fruit and veg smoothie. There was no trace of leafy greens left and the blend was beautifully consistent.

Its cleaning programme using warm water and washing-up liquid left the jug spotless with some residue remaining around the lid. It also crushed ice into snow in seconds while its auto programme turned hot chunky vegetable broth into silky smooth soup in just over a minute.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Read our full Magimix Power Blender review

4. Sage Super Q

Best quiet blender

Type: Plastic carafe and cup
Dimensions: 21 x 46 x 27cm
Power: 2400 watts
Reasons to buy:

• Powerful motor
• Quieter average noise
• Simple controls

Reasons to avoid:

• Bulky base

Putting off making your morning smoothie for fear of waking the whole household, or even the neighbours? The Super Q is here to save the day. While blending is never going to be a quiet activity, this speedy, commercial-grade machine does its best to dampen the usual racket, and, importantly, the sound it does make is less of a jarring whine – because it’s often the pitch that’s a blender bugbear as much as the volume.

However, it’s not just noise suppression that makes this blender an asset – it’s also the breadth of programmes, versatility and efficiency. In the box you’ll find a good-sized two-litre jug with a lid that clips firmly into place, a 700ml cup with removable blades and a lid that you can use to blend shakes or smoothies, tamper, spatula, and a sleek silver base unit.

The controls are devilishly simple to get the hang of – there are five programmes at the push of a button, such as green smoothie, frozen dessert or soup (designed to heat up ingredients rather than blend already hot soup), plus a manual dial for ramping up through 12 speed settings and an LCD screen showing count up or count down times.

What’s especially clever though, is that the jug is compatible with the separate Vac Q pump, which enables you to suck the air out before blending. In our tests, this resulted in far less froth in a fruit and veg smoothie and noticeably velvety butternut squash soup, heated in less than six minutes (although this was noisy).

A final reason to love it is its frozen food and ice-crushing abilities – it transformed cubes into snow in about 30 seconds (the programme lasts a minute), which was easily scraped out. The only downside is the price – but if other blenders are leaving you disappointed or deafened, the Super Q is a superhero solution.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Read our full Sage the Super Q Blender review

5.  NutriBullet Rx

Best blender for smoothies

Type: Plastic carafe/cups
Dimensions: 36.2 x 21.8 x 46 cm
Power: 1700 watts
Reasons to buy:

• Great value
• Lots of accessories
• Make soup quickly

Reasons to avoid:

• Blades aren’t dishwasher safe

Fans of the original Nutribullet looking to upgrade to something with more oomph will love the Rx. While some bullet blenders can leave behind flecks (of leafy greens, for example) the Rx uses its 2.3hp/1700W motor to create a flawlessly smooth consistency. Inside its blade unit, you’ll find four angled blades that screw into an oversized or short cup for smoothies or its Souperblast pitcher.

This comes with a vented lid, so you can use a special programme to blitz veggies into hot soup in only seven minutes. There’s no on or off button or speed settings. The Rx adjusts automatically to the contents and for the right amount of time – just drop the cup onto the base. In tests, it effortlessly blitzed smoothies using seeds and nuts. It easily tackled black treacle and broccoli too, all of which were thoroughly blended.

This super blender then made piping hot soup from vegetables and pre-made stock. It’s worth noting that it won’t brown ingredients, so some may need cooking beforehand. It was also used to blend creamy nut butter from almonds and oil.

One downside is that the blades aren’t dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to clean out any residue by hand. Also, the cups are bulky to drink from directly and the kit it comes with doesn’t have an obvious way to stack it for storage.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

6. Vitamix A2300i blender

Best blender for sheer power

Type: Plastic
Dimensions: 43.2 x 20.3 x 27.9cm
Power: 1440 watts
Reasons to buy:

• Incredibly versatile
• Large 2L jug
• Smooth results

Reasons to avoid:

• With a hefty price tag, you may want a cheaper alternative

The Ascent 2300i  can be used to make your own butter (no churning by hand, yet all of the wow factor at your next dinner party), dips, nut butters, mayonnaise, non-dairy milks, hot soup from scratch without a pan in sight, bread and pasta dough, wholegrain flours, baby food and frozen desserts – essentially, almost anything you could make in a food processor.

To which end, it’s built with a more durable construction than you’d expect your average blender to have. There’s a large base to find space for in your kitchen, plus a two-litre plastic jug with a wide spout that manages to be both lightweight yet sturdy and a secure push-on lid that prevents leaks.

And while there aren’t any programmes, the Ascent 2300i doesn’t lack options – 10 speeds plus a pulse button mean you can scroll between gentle liquefying and pulverisation.

Other points of difference are a comprehensive recipe book, a tamper to nudge frozen ingredients towards its blades and an on-off switch so it’s not accidentally flicked into life. In testing, it made a smoothie that was completely lump and fleck-free in about a minute, staying steady on the worktop even at the highest speed. Its count-up timer on the front came in especially handy for keeping an eye on blending times.

Similarly, it took a minute to blend cooked ingredients into smooth soup and 6 mins 30 to blend and heat using the friction of its blades. A few pulses were all that was required to crush ice, and it cleaned easily after messy jobs by using water and washing-up liquid, with the mixture even reaching the lid for a thorough clean.

Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars

7. Smeg BLF01 50s blender

Best looking blender with smart features

Type: Aluminium
Dimensions: 20 x 16.5 x 40cm
Power: 800 watts
Reasons to buy:

• Awesome 50’s retro style
• Incredibly sleek and easy to use
• Tritan jug is very sturdy

Reasons to avoid:

• Only one pitcher
• Can’t handle soup

With a die-cast aluminium body and six lovely colours to choose from, you won’t want to remove the Smeg BLF01 50s blender from your kitchen counter. We were impressed with just how smooth it left our drinks, even when they had ice and frozen blocks of spinach; a notoriously tricky ingredient. The soup had an almost whipped consistency because of how well the blender broke through tomato skins and peppers to incorporate, but Smeg does recommend waiting until your soup has cooled before blending, which is a shame.

The jug doesn’t need to be screwed in: just slot it into the base and select your setting. The Smeg BLF01 50s blender may have a retro style but the build is all modern. It features a pulse setting and numerous preset modes, including a button for blitzing ice.

You only get the 1.5 litre tritan jug with this one, so it’s not the most versatile. For pairing with a toaster or kettle though, the look really does impress. It also felt incredibly powerful and not too loud, which given the 800 watt motor was a surprise.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

8. Ninja Blender with Auto-IQ BN495UK

Best personal blender

Type: Personal
Dimensions: 17 cm x 15.9 cm x 38.7 cm
Power: 1000 watts
Reasons to buy:

• Smart Auto-IQ settings
• Easy to use and clean

Reasons to avoid:

• A little noisy
• Not for larger drinks

If you’re looking for the best blender for smoothies, it’s a good idea to consider a personal blender. Personal blenders are designed for taking drinks on the go, and can blitz up ice, frozen fruit and protein powder into smooth and creamy drinks. The Ninja Blender with Auto-IQ BN495UK is a smart choice. It has two smart settings that use Auto-IQ to tackle even the toughest ingredients, it can chop through chunks of frozen spinach, banana, and ice to make thick milkshakes and creamy smoothies.

Personal blenders are far from versatile. This option comes with two 700ml cups that have lids for taking on the go, but nothing larger for blending family-sized dishes. What they do offer though is some seriously high powered blending power and a smaller footprint for your kitchen counter. We loved this model when we put it to the test, so if you’re after a personal blender, take a look.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Read our full Ninja Blender with Auto-IQ BN495UK review

9. Magic Bullet Kitchen Express

Best blender food processor combo

Type: Plastic
Dimensions:30.8 x 29.2 x 19.2 cm
Power: 250 watts
Reasons to buy:

• Get a blender and food processor in one
• Budget-friendly

Reasons to avoid:

• Single serve only

Affordably priced and multi-functional, the Magic Bullet Kitchen Express is the perfect choice for students or small households who want something that can blend as well as chop and slice. It has two drink pitchers, one of who has a to-go lid that stays very securely in place, and despite only being 250 watts this blender is very powerful. It was particularly effective at making smoothie bowls out of frozen bananas and berries, with little intervention.

While it’s not large enough to blend things like soups, the Magic Bullet Kitchen Express is perfect for smoothies and shakes, and it makes a top iced drink. The controls are simple, with an On, Off, and Pulse, but it’s by no means as multi-faceted as some of the options from Ninja and Vitamix, which offer a variety of blending modes for different drinks.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Read our full Magic Bullet Kitchen Express review

10. Philips HR3652

Best blender for crushing ice

Type: Glass
Dimensions: 21.6 x 43 x 31.6 cm
Power: 1400 watts
Reasons to buy:

• Fine blending
• Dishwasher-safe

Reasons to avoid:

• Speed settings are unnumbered

Most of us could probably do with eating more fruit and veg. Proven to motivate you into upping your five-a-day is the 1,400W Avance blender, which will turn unpalatable vegetables into smoothies and soups with ease. Its makers claim it produces 50% finer blending than a previous model – which is great news for the fruit and veg-phobic. For its price, it brings a lot to the table.

This blender has a two-litre glass jar with 1.5-litre working capacity, 13 speeds plus pulse, two one-minute programmes for smoothies and ice crushing. It has cable storage and a spatula that inserts through the lid to move contents around.

The manual speeds are only marked min to max without numbers between, so it’s more difficult to reproduce a recipe if you’ve already found the perfect setting. It also can’t be used for more than three minutes at a time. In tests, it turned a couple of handfuls of ice cubes into snow and made a fruit and veg smoothie, both using the dedicated programmes.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

How to buy the right blender for you

Image credit: Vitamix

1. Check how powerful your blender is

The wattage can work as a guide but higher doesn’t always mean a better blender. Take into account additional features that it uses to process food thoroughly, such as jug and blade design. A blender’s power can sometimes be displayed in horsepower (746W = 1hp) instead of watts. While basic liquidisers sufficed with two blades, most modern jug blenders will have at least four, sometimes with mini blades nestled around the stack. They’re usually angled, which helps them to whisk up pieces from the bottom of the jug and create a vortex to drag blender contents down from the top.

Take a look at the best juicers

2. Check blender settings and speeds

Basic models tend to have just a few speeds while more feature-packed models will have several. Both will usually feature a pulse option for quick bursts of speed. You can also find blenders with programmes for blitzing specific foods, such as soup, ice crushing, smoothie, pureé and frozen desserts. A cleaning programme is another handy option, allowing you to clean the jug in-situ by running it filled with water and washing-up liquid.

3. Check blender materials

The blender jug itself will be made from either glass or plastic. Glass tends to be sturdier and less likely to become scratched but a good quality BPA-free plastic, such as Tritan, is a smart choice. This is because it’s strong yet lighter than glass, which can make all the difference if you’re lifting a heavy jug of soup. Jugs vary in total capacity and working capacity (ie how much they can safely blend without the contents trying to escape). This is usually lower for hot liquids. A 1.6-litre jug should cover most everyday blending but to be able to get the most of out of your blender, look for around two litres.

4. Check blender practicality

Look for blender jugs that have two-part lids, too, so you can add food or liquid as it blends. This is ideal for making sauces that can easily split, such as mayonnaise, or when processing hot food, so steam can be released.

5. Check for extras

The lids may include small measuring cups. Some blenders have additional milling and grinding blades (which can be used for seeds, nuts and sometimes coffee beans), mini containers for mincing smaller amounts of food, personal blender cups and even food processor bowls. Another useful blender accessory is a tamper. This fits through the lid of the blender so you can move solid chunks of food, such as frozen fruit, towards the blades.

What other key questions do I need to ask about blenders?

Are blenders easy to clean?

You’ll get more use out of a blender that’s easy to clean, so look for those where all the removable parts are dishwasher safe. Some blender jugs will split apart so that the blades can be safely cleaned separately and more thoroughly. If the jug has fixed blades, it can be difficult to clean around them by hand, so always use a brush. Our how to clean a blender guide has more tips.

Are blender noisy?

All blenders will be noisy, though some more than most. The pitch can differ from blender to blender, too, meaning that some noises, while not louder, are more annoying than others. If possible, try before you buy.

Will my small kitchen accommodate a blender?

Blender cables can be substantial, so look for machines with built-in storage to prevent the flex getting out of hand. Unless you’re buying a machine that you’re happy to have on display on the worktop, your blender will probably live in a cupboard. If so, choose one that can be easily dismantled, is light enough for you to lift in and out and won’t take up too much storage room.

The post Best blenders 2022: from NutriBullet, Magimix, Sage, and more appeared first on Ideal Home.

Insulating your home is vital for reducing energy wastage and adding loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective solutions. According to Energy Saving Trust, you can lose a quarter of heat through the roof of an uninsulated home, but by installing loft insulation you’re effectively covering your home in a blanket.

That means you’re keeping heat inside the house and stopping it from escaping in the colder, winter months. It’s the perfect solution when it comes to insulating your home. The question is what does loft insulation cost and is it worth the investment?

‘Homeowners will undoubtedly reap the long-term financial benefits of investing in home insulation that will last winter after winter,’ says Jenny Turner property manager at Insulation Express. Remember, there are loft insulation grants available.

How much does loft insulation cost?

Image credit: Future plc/Davide Lovatti

Read on to find out more about the loft insulation cost you will have to consider depending on the insulation you choose. There are lots of different types of insulation to choose from including sheet, blanket, loose-fill, brown fibre and insulated loft boards.

Here we explain the difference between each type and how much each costs on average to install. Plus the pros and cons each.

1. Sheet insulation cost

Sheet insulation, also called foam board, comes in rigid sheets and is typically made from polyurethane. More expensive sheets come with a moisture resistant coating. This type of insulation is ideal for installing in the sloping sides of the roof, which means it’s often used in loft conversions. ‘There’s a wide range of competitor products on the market which vary in quality, so you’ll need to do your research and look for ones with good thermal and fire-resistant properties,’ says property and construction expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk.

Pros

• Comes in boards, so they’re easy to cut to size and handle
• They can even be ordered pre-cut to size
• Can be covered with plasterboard for an attractive finish

Cons

•  It can be a more expensive product compared to other insulation types

Typical cost per m2 Between £7.75 and £11 per m2

2. Blanket insulation cost

Available in rolls, blanket insulation is typically made from foil-backed felt, rock, glass or mineral fibre. It’s installed by laying between flooring joists in a loft and manufacturers offer the product in a variety of standard widths to match different sized lofts. It’s probably one of the most common and widely used types of insulation, especially for DIY installations.

Pros

• It’s an affordable option
• Available in a range of materials
• Ideal for DIY installation

Cons

• Rolls can be really bulky and you have to cut it to size on site in the loft, so it’s best suited to lofts with little obstruction
• Some materials will irritate the skin, so you’ll need to invest in protective clothing to wear during installation

Typical cost per m2 From £5 per m2

3. Loose fill insulation cost

Image credit: BC Designs

Most common materials used for loose fill insulation are cellulose, fibreglass and mineral wool. It’s a lightweight material and comes in a bag which can be poured in to conform to the space, making it ideal for retrofit projects. You’ll need to make sure there are no cracks or holes in the ceiling before installation and use a brush or rake to level out the fill. What’s more, if you’re not fitting boarding over the top of it, make sure the roof space isn’t draughty as high winds are likely to unsettle the product.

Pros

•  It’s a light-weight material, so easy to handle
• Ideal for awkward spaces, as you don’t need to worry about cutting it to size

Cons

• Extra care needs to be taken when installing, to avoid breathing in harmful fibres or causing a skin irritation
• Loose-fill insulation may not stay in place, especially in draught-prone lofts

Typical cost per m2 Between £5 and £7.50 per m2

4. Blown fibre insulation cost

Blown fibre insulation is similar to loose fill, except that it’s mechanically blown into your loft space by a specialist. Wool is the most common material and it’s ideal for use when blanket insulation isn’t possible, which tends to be when joists are obstructed.

Pros

• It’s quick to install

Cons

•  You need to hire a specialist who has the correct equipment
• As you can’t do it yourself, it tends to be a more expensive material to fit than other insulation types

Typical cost per m2 £55 per m2

Is loft insulation worth it?

Image credit: Future plc/Polly Eltes

According to independent finance brokers Norton Finance, the loft of a mid-terrace house costs around £285 to insulate with 270mm insulation. That cost will likely pay for itself in just over a year due to the reduction in your energy bill, as well as reduce a home’s carbon footprint by 530kg every year.

‘Installing loft insulation will mean you will use your heating less and, consequently, save on your utility bills. What’s more, it will also improve your property’s energy performance rating (EPC),’ says property and construction expert Thomas Goodman.

‘This in turn helps to increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers if and when you come to sell it.’

The post How much does loft insulation cost and is it worth it? appeared first on Ideal Home.

A mortgage broker is an adviser that helps you get a mortgage. They find the right product for you from thousands on offer across the market.

Using a broker gives you a mortgage expert on your side. Brokers need to pass professional qualifications to give advice and they’re regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

They’ll also give you a realistic idea of how much you can borrow and therefore your purchasing power. And they’ll help get your finances ‘mortgage ready’ to give you the best chance of getting your application approved before finding you the best mortgage rates.

Will using a mortgage broker get me a better deal?

A broker will find you the best and cheapest mortgage that meets your needs.

It’s important to remember there isn’t one best mortgage. The lowest rate might not be accessible to you or come with high fees you don’t want to pay. A broker uses their expertise and experience to find the cheapest option that suits you.

David Hollingworth, associate director at broker, L&C Mortgages, explains: ‘There’s more to think about than just the rate as deals carry different fees and incentives, such as a free valuation or a cashback.’

‘A broker will factor these in to find the right blend, plus account for lender criteria to get the right fit for the case.’

Image credit: Future PLC/ Alun Callender

What’s the difference between a mortgage broker and direct lender?

A direct lender, such as a bank or building society, offers their own mortgages.

They can give you advice on their products, but they won’t tell you if a competitor’s mortgage could suit you better.

A broker works for you. They’ll do a detailed ‘factfind’ to get all the information they need. Then they’ll shop around, searching the mortgage market on your behalf.

Most importantly, they have inside knowledge of how lenders work. They know which are super smooth on service or running slow, and they stay up to date with constantly changing lending criteria.

They’ll find the best mortgage that you’re actually eligible for, so you don’t waste time on applications that get rejected and send you back to square one. Find out how much you could borrow with our mortgage calculator.

Are mortgage brokers independent or will they only offer mortgages from certain lenders?

Some are independent and can arrange a mortgage from any UK mortgage lender.

Others have access to a panel of lenders that represents the mortgage market, without including every single lender.

They are all bound by regulations so you can trust their advice and go to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you’re not happy.

Michelle Leyland, mortgage broker at South Yorkshire Money, says: “Ask a mortgage broker how many lenders they have access to. The answer should be 90-plus and then they are as close to ‘whole of market’ as you can get.”

How much does a mortgage broker cost?

Advice from a broker ranges from completely free to thousands of pounds.

Hollingworth says: “All brokers will receive a payment from a lender for introducing business to them, essentially a commission payment.

“Some brokers, including L&C, don’t make any additional charge to the customer and work only off the lender payment.”

Others charge you a flat fee for their advice, such as £500, or a percentage fee, for example 1% of the mortgage loan.

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

How do I find a good mortgage broker? What should I look out for?

Word of mouth recommendations are a great start, so speak to friends and family first.

Your estate agent might work closely with a broker and recommend them, but you’re not obliged to use their preferred partner.

Leyland adds: “Check out their reviews, Google them, view their social media business pages, ask your friends for recommendations. Contact a few brokers and see how quickly they get back to you.”

Some brokers have specialisms, such as helping the self-employed or those with credit blips, which could be invaluable if you have specific needs.

You might want to use a broker that allows you do most of the process online, or prefer a face to face meeting, so choose a broker that works in the way you prefer.

Do I need a mortgage broker?

You don’t need a mortgage broker, but they’re a great idea unless you’re confident about choosing the right product from the thousands on offer.

With a mortgage broker, you get a mortgage market expert on your side, helping you find the best deal, filling in the forms, chasing the lender and solicitor on your behalf, and holding your hand through the whole homebuying process.

This can be particularly useful for first-time buyers, self employed mortgage applicants and those with credit issues.

The post What is a mortgage broker and do you need one? appeared first on Ideal Home.