It’s official – the days of surprise fees creeping in at the checkout are over. As of April 6th 2025, the UK government has banned hidden mandatory charges across a wide range of online services. It’s part of a major new shake-up of consumer law, and while it may seem like a win for people booking holidays or buying gadgets, it sends a much broader message: transparency is no longer optional.
And if there’s one part of life where transparency really matters, it’s when you’re buying a home.
A win for shoppers – and mortgage seekers
The new rules, brought in under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, make it illegal for businesses to spring extra costs on customers late in the buying journey. Think booking fees, “processing” charges, or those mysterious extras that only show up once you’ve spent ten minutes filling in your card details.
From now on, those costs must be visible from the start. That means clearer pricing, fewer nasty surprises – and hopefully, a bit more trust built into the process of buying online.
But it’s not just about online shopping. The government’s crackdown is a strong signal across all industries that the era of buried fees and blurred lines is coming to an end. And if you’ve ever applied for a mortgage, you’ll know how important that kind of clarity can be.
Mortgages: still a minefield?
Buying a home is one of the most exciting – and expensive – things most of us will ever do. Between legal fees, surveys, deposits, moving costs, and more, there’s already plenty to budget for. Add in a mortgage broker’s fee, and things can get even pricier.
Now, to be clear, not all brokers charge fees – and many who do are completely upfront about it. But over the years, there’s been concern that some customers don’t fully understand when, how, or why a fee is being charged. Is it flat or percentage-based? Is it paid upfront or on completion? Is it refundable if the deal falls through?
That’s where regulation comes in. Under FCA rules, any broker who charges a fee must explain it clearly before a mortgage application is submitted. This info usually appears in something called an Initial Disclosure Document (IDD), which should lay out not only the fee but also how the broker is paid, how wide their lender panel is, and what services they offer.
It’s a system designed to ensure fairness. But as this new law proves, what consumers really value – in mortgages or otherwise – is clarity without having to ask for it.
Why we’re proudly fee-free
At Quick Mortgages, we’re happy to say we’ve always done things a little differently. We don’t charge fees to our clients – full stop.
We get paid by the lender when we help arrange a mortgage, and that’s it. There’s no invoice, no bill, no awkward moment where a “broker fee” gets mentioned out of the blue.
Why? Because we believe mortgage advice should be accessible to everyone – not just those who can afford an extra £500 on top of everything else. And because in a process as complex as home buying, the last thing anyone needs is financial fog.
Of course, not every broker operates this way, and that’s okay. There’s room in the market for a range of models – as long as those models are clearly explained. What this new law reinforces is that transparency isn’t a trend – it’s the new normal.
A bigger picture on fairness
It’s worth noting that the law doesn’t stop at fees. Another major element is a crackdown on fake online reviews, which have become a growing issue in sectors from retail to finance. Businesses must now ensure any reviews they host or display are genuine – and be able to prove it.
This matters because trust is built not just on clear pricing, but on honest reputation. For industries like ours, where so much depends on recommendation and word-of-mouth, it’s another step in the right direction.
So what should you look for in a broker?
In a world where fee transparency is under the spotlight, here’s a tip: if you’re choosing a mortgage broker, ask the same questions you’d ask a service provider in any other walk of life.
How much will this cost me? When will I need to pay? What exactly am I paying for?
And if the answer feels unclear – ask again. A good broker will welcome the question, not dodge it.
Or, if you want to avoid the whole conversation about fees entirely, you could come to us. Because at Quick Mortgages, our answer is simple: you won’t pay us a penny.
A final word: clearer skies ahead
This new ban on hidden fees is great news for UK consumers. It makes things simpler, fairer, and more honest – and sets a tone that will no doubt ripple through other industries, including financial services.
For us at Quick Mortgages, it’s a welcome shift that echoes everything we already believe: that honesty, openness, and simplicity should be the standard.
And when it comes to finding the right mortgage – it’s nice to know that at least one part of the process doesn’t come with strings attached.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for general guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Mortgage products and their terms can vary, and it is important to seek advice from a qualified, regulated professional who can assess your individual circumstances. Please ensure you consider your unique needs before making any financial decisions.
While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided on this blog is accurate and up-to-date, we do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The mortgage market can change rapidly, and the information on this blog may become outdated. We recommend verifying any information before acting on it and seeking tailored advice.
THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
