John Charcol is the original independent mortgage broker in the UK. We have over 45 years' experience in finding the best mortgage rates for every type of buyer. Whether you're investing in property or looking to buy your first home, our mortgage advisers can help. Our expert, independent mortgage advice will make buying your property easy. We have over 1,500 5* reviews on reviews.co.uk, so you can feel confident that your mortgage is in the right hands. We work around your schedule to help you arrange a mortgage that suits your circumstances, no matter how complex.
Services
Established in 1974 we are the original independent mortgage broker. With over 40 years' experience in the industry we understand the challenges our clients face and have the experience and expertise to help guide them through the complex process of buying a house, remortgaging or investing in the property market.
You'll also find all sorts of helpful information on what buy-to-let mortgages are and how they work, the criteria lenders consider, how a broker can help, the process you go through and more. Use our free and easy best buys comparison tool below to compare the best BTL mortgage rates and remortgage buy-to-let deals from across the market.
Find out whether a limited company buy-to-let mortgage is the right option for you. You can also compare rates with our best buys tool and find answers in our FAQs. Taking out a mortgage and purchasing a buy-to-let mortgage through a limited/LTD company or SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) can be more tax-efficient than doing so in your personal name as a private landlord.
Time to remortgage your buy-to-let property? You can also compare the latest rates on the market with our free best buys tool. The best buy-to-let remortgages are often exclusive to intermediaries and independent mortgage brokers like John Charcol. Use our tool to see which remortgage buy-to-let deals could work for you then get in touch with one of our mortgage experts to find out more.
Reviews (10)
Desislava Peycheva
Jun 03, 2022
Both, I and my partner are very happy with John Charcol's services. We are very grateful to Michal Alberts and his team for supporting us through our first time buying a property. Michael was wonderful - very supportive, patient, and knowledgeable. He has provided us with the best possible offer in such difficult times.
Naazim Malji
Apr 23, 2022
Jonathan Day
Apr 17, 2022
Disappointing if I'm honest. We had to constantly chase for updates, a simple remortgage took nearly 5 months to complete, with their recommended solicitors charging 3x as much as advertised despite JC being aware of some minor addons (change of ownership on TR1 and one simple letter to a management company). Still JC are adamant an 850 broker fee represents fair charge for service. Not in our experience it doesn't. I wouldn't use again.
Ian Brown
Mar 19, 2022
No market insight, no desire to understand my situation. Tried to dissuade me from proceeding with them because it was 'not worth their time' and told me they would charge me the top end of their fees upfront - 1600 - because they couldn't be sure I would end up taking out a mortgage through them! I was a bit shocked because they advertise as being knowledgeable about quite a range of buy-to-let and specialist mortgages and surely people will call them to try and understand what their financing options are!
They just weren't interested in even starting to talk to me about possible products, lenders, affordability criteria etc. In the end I used a smaller independent broker instead who did not charge me a fee and got me a great mortgage.
They just weren't interested in even starting to talk to me about possible products, lenders, affordability criteria etc. In the end I used a smaller independent broker instead who did not charge me a fee and got me a great mortgage.
Red Animations
Dec 20, 2021
I recently took out a mortgage and used Alex Money as my mortgage broker. I couldn't have been happier with the service I received. My Mortgage situation was quite unique and I was pressed for time, so I really was relying on a good and experienced broker to get me the best value mortgage for my needs. The property purchase price ended up changing and Alex worked with the lender to get the offer amended within hours. Alex, was also really friendly, made the whole process super easy to understand and gave me lots of advise outside of just mortgages. I wouldn't hesitate to use Alex again.
Zak T.
Sep 23, 2021
We have just purchased a property and John Charcol were our mortgage advisors who have been fantastic during the whole process. We will definitely be keeping them in mind for our future mortgage and protection needs. Adam was initially our key contact who advised us on our mortgage options - he really did make everything so painless, taking care of the entire application. Reanne and Hayley were also very helpful, they appeared professional and provided lots of guidance in the latter stages of the purchase!
Muhammad Waqas
Jul 16, 2021
Scam advisor, stay away Stay away from John Charcol, time waster and stolen my hard earned money 520 Initially, i was told, i have no pay no money till mortgage is fully approved. After few weeks, i have received a call from my broker Natasha, i have to pay 520 for survey and application fee of 199, application fee of 199 are transferable or refundable in case, there is an issue with a property.
After few weeks, I received an email from her, neither of the fees are refundable. What a scam! Stay away from them. Look for better mortgage adviser. Impossible to get hold of them on phone too.
After few weeks, I received an email from her, neither of the fees are refundable. What a scam! Stay away from them. Look for better mortgage adviser. Impossible to get hold of them on phone too.
Stephanie Dewick
Apr 24, 2021
I am a first time buyer and have just completed on my first property, I was really worried about how the process would work as I have never done it before. But Andrew made the whole application process incredibly easy and painless - he quite literally took care of everything which was such a weight off my mind! Would recommend him to anyone! Becky and Daniel were also incredibly helpful, looking after the final stages and also my protection needs. I would 100% be using John Charcoal in the future for my mortgage needs. All 3 of them are a credit to your company!
Estefania Veira
Apr 19, 2021
Sarah Dormer from John Charcol was our our mortgage broker for the purchase of our first home. Every single person who was part of the process (the real estate agency, the lawyers, etc.) was highly impressed by her. She advised us for months before we actually made an offer, and then secured our mortgage very quickly. She and her colleague Michelle Gilbert were excellent at communicating with us and keeping us updated at all times. The experience could not have been better.
P. G.
Feb 26, 2021
Had a bad experience with John Charcoal which nearly resulted in us losing our mortgage offer due to a lack of basic care on their end. They knocked off some of their fee (and rightly so) but even going through the complaints procedure was really tedious. Wish we went with a broker who didn't charge a fee in the end as we felt the service we were offered by JC wasn't delivered.