How a Broker Introduction Actually Works (And Why It's Free)
"Free" makes people suspicious, and in property finance that's healthy. If someone is helping you and not charging you, you should know how they're paid and whether it affects the advice you get. Here's exactly how a broker introduction works, who gets paid, and what to check before you go ahead.
What an introducer does
An introducer connects you with a mortgage broker who is suited to your case. That's it. An introducer doesn't advise you on which mortgage to take, doesn't arrange the mortgage and doesn't lend money.
James Property Mortgages is an introducer, not a lender, and we aren't FCA-regulated ourselves. Our job is to understand your situation (strategy, structure, property type) and put you in front of a regulated broker who deals with cases like yours every day.
James Property Mortgages is an introducer, not a lender, and we aren't FCA-regulated ourselves. Our job is to understand your situation (strategy, structure, property type) and put you in front of a regulated broker who deals with cases like yours every day.
Why use an introducer at all?
Because not every broker understands investors.
A high-street adviser might arrange a handful of buy-to-let mortgages a year. Put an HMO with an investment valuation, a limited company purchase with three shareholders, or a BRR refinance in front of them and you'll often get a slow "we'll look into it" or a decline.
Specialist investor brokers know which lenders:
An introducer who works with investors saves you the trial and error of finding that broker yourself.
A high-street adviser might arrange a handful of buy-to-let mortgages a year. Put an HMO with an investment valuation, a limited company purchase with three shareholders, or a BRR refinance in front of them and you'll often get a slow "we'll look into it" or a decline.
Specialist investor brokers know which lenders:
- Lend to SPVs, and which SIC codes they accept
- Offer investment valuations on HMOs
- Refinance early after a refurbishment
- Allow top slicing when the rent is tight
- Are relaxed about portfolio landlords
An introducer who works with investors saves you the trial and error of finding that broker yourself.
How it works, step by step
1. You get in touch
You tell us what you're doing: buying, refinancing, bridging, first property or tenth. Basic details only at this stage. No credit check.
2. We understand the case
We'll ask a few questions about the property, your structure (personal or limited company), deposit and timescales. This is so we introduce you to the right broker, not to give you mortgage advice.
3. We make the introduction
We pass your details to a regulated broker, with your permission, and they contact you directly.
4. The broker advises you
The broker reviews your full position, searches the market, recommends a product and explains why. This is regulated advice from an authorised firm.
5. The broker arranges the mortgage
If you go ahead, they submit the application, deal with the lender and underwriter, and keep things moving through to offer and completion.
You tell us what you're doing: buying, refinancing, bridging, first property or tenth. Basic details only at this stage. No credit check.
2. We understand the case
We'll ask a few questions about the property, your structure (personal or limited company), deposit and timescales. This is so we introduce you to the right broker, not to give you mortgage advice.
3. We make the introduction
We pass your details to a regulated broker, with your permission, and they contact you directly.
4. The broker advises you
The broker reviews your full position, searches the market, recommends a product and explains why. This is regulated advice from an authorised firm.
5. The broker arranges the mortgage
If you go ahead, they submit the application, deal with the lender and underwriter, and keep things moving through to offer and completion.
Who pays whom
This is the part most people never get told.
The introduction
The introduction itself costs you nothing. Introducers are typically paid a referral fee by the broker firm when a case completes. [VERIFY and state JPM's actual remuneration arrangement before publishing]
The broker
Brokers are usually paid in one or both of these ways:
Any fee the broker charges you must be explained upfront, before you're committed. If it isn't clear, ask. You're always free to walk away before you agree to pay.
Does this affect the advice?
A regulated broker has a duty to act in your best interests and recommend a suitable product. The lender's procuration fee is disclosed in your paperwork. Ask your broker whether they search the whole market or a panel of lenders, and how they're paid. A good broker will answer both questions without hesitation.
The introduction
The introduction itself costs you nothing. Introducers are typically paid a referral fee by the broker firm when a case completes. [VERIFY and state JPM's actual remuneration arrangement before publishing]
The broker
Brokers are usually paid in one or both of these ways:
- Procuration fee from the lender when the mortgage completes. This is standard across the market.
- Broker fee charged to you, either a flat fee or a percentage of the loan. Some brokers charge nothing, some charge on application, some on completion.
Any fee the broker charges you must be explained upfront, before you're committed. If it isn't clear, ask. You're always free to walk away before you agree to pay.
Does this affect the advice?
A regulated broker has a duty to act in your best interests and recommend a suitable product. The lender's procuration fee is disclosed in your paperwork. Ask your broker whether they search the whole market or a panel of lenders, and how they're paid. A good broker will answer both questions without hesitation.
What an introducer will not do
It's worth being clear about the limits, because it protects you as much as us.
If you ever get a specific rate or product recommendation from someone who isn't an authorised firm, treat it as a warning sign rather than a shortcut.
- We don't recommend a mortgage product, a lender or a rate. That's regulated advice and only the broker can give it.
- We don't tell you how much you can borrow. The broker runs that against real criteria.
- We don't handle your application, your credit file or your lender paperwork.
- We don't give tax advice on whether to buy personally or through a company. That's a conversation for your accountant.
If you ever get a specific rate or product recommendation from someone who isn't an authorised firm, treat it as a warning sign rather than a shortcut.
How to check a broker is regulated
Before you share bank statements or sign anything:
This takes five minutes and protects you from clone firms.
- Ask for the firm's name and FCA reference number.
- Search the Financial Services Register on the FCA website.
- Check the firm is authorised for the activity, and whether it's directly authorised or an appointed representative of another firm.
- Make sure the contact details match the register.
This takes five minutes and protects you from clone firms.
Is buy-to-let lending regulated?
Most buy-to-let mortgages for investors are not regulated mortgage contracts, because they're business lending. Exceptions include consumer buy-to-let, such as letting a home you inherited or used to live in, and some bridging loans where you or family will live in the property. Your broker will tell you which applies. Using an FCA-authorised broker means you're dealing with a regulated firm whichever category your mortgage falls into.
What to have ready
You'll move faster with:
- Photo ID and proof of address
- Three months of bank statements
- Proof of deposit and where it came from
- Details of any existing properties and mortgages
- Company documents if buying through an SPV
- The property details, if you've found one
How we can help
If you're investing and want a broker who understands investors, we'll make the introduction. No cost for the introduction, no obligation, and you'll know exactly how everyone is paid before you commit to anything.
Request your free broker introduction at jamesproperty.io/mortgages.
29.09.2026