A mortgage lender provides the funds for a mortgage. The lender manages the credit and financial information, the loan application process and the property through until the close of the contract.

A mortgage broker is an individual or company who brings borrowers and lenders together. Mortgage brokers require a fee or commission for their services.

There are about 150 mortgage lenders registered by the Mortgage Board in

Britain . Each lender will have several products available for each different set of circumstances. You can visit the individual mortgage lenders operating on your high street, but you may be able to get a better deal from a lender who is in a different part of the country.

An independent mortgage broker will have access to a database which can search for the best deal for your circumstances.