How Much Do Mortgage Advisors Earn?

Learn what mortgage advisors earn in the UK, required qualifications, training paths, pros and cons, and the best firms to work for.

How Much Do Mortgage Advisors Earn? Salary, Training & Career Guide

Mortgage advisors help people navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives—buying a home. Whether employed by banks, estate agencies or working independently, they analyse financial situations, source competitive mortgage products, and handle the full application process for clients.

This guide explains how much mortgage advisors earn, what qualifications are needed, how to get started, and the top companies to work for in the UK.

Job Description: What Do Mortgage Advisors Do?

Mortgage advisors (also called mortgage brokers) assist clients in finding suitable mortgage products based on their financial circumstances and needs. They provide regulated financial advice, assess affordability, and guide clients through the mortgage application process.

Key responsibilities:

  • Meeting clients and understanding their financial situation

  • Researching mortgage products across the market or panel

  • Explaining rates, fees, terms and risks

  • Completing applications and gathering supporting documents

  • Liaising with lenders, underwriters, solicitors and estate agents

  • Ensuring compliance with FCA regulations

  • Following up to support mortgage completion

Some work with restricted lender panels (tied) while others are whole-of-market brokers.

How Hard Is It to Become a Mortgage Advisor?

It’s accessible, with no degree required. However, it requires study, FCA-authorised qualifications, and regulatory knowledge. Many complete their training in 3–6 months and enter the industry with or without previous finance experience.

Success depends on sales ability, trustworthiness, and building client relationships.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

  • Financial literacy and numeracy

  • Attention to detail – errors can delay or derail applications

  • Sales skills – you must be comfortable recommending products

  • Ethical and professional conduct – it's a regulated industry

  • Persistence and follow-up discipline

  • Good time management, especially when juggling cases

Do You Need Qualifications?

Yes. You need to hold a recognised mortgage qualification to give advice in the UK.

Common routes:

  • CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice) – most popular

  • CF6 (IFS School of Finance)

  • Certificate in Mortgage Advice (CII)

  • CeRER (equity release add-on, optional)

How long to qualify?

  • CeMAP can be completed in 3–6 months (part-time or fast-track).

  • Costs range from £500 – £1,000 for course and exam fees.

  • No degree or A-levels are needed, just good numeracy and comprehension.

Once qualified, you must also be FCA authorised, either directly or through a network.

Levels and Specialisations

  • Trainee / Junior Advisor -Learning under supervision

  • Mortgage Advisor - Qualified and advising clients directly

  • Senior Advisor - Experienced and handling complex cases

  • Protection Specialist - Adds life, critical illness, and income cover

  • Self-employed Broker - Works under a network, higher earnings potential

  • Mortgage Manager - Oversees a team in a bank or brokerage

What Experience Do You Need?

  • None to start CeMAP, but customer service or sales experience helps

  • Previous work in estate agencies, banking, insurance or financial advice is beneficial

  • Once qualified, shadowing and supervised cases build confidence

  • Good knowledge of the property and finance industry adds credibility

Benefits of Being a Mortgage Advisor

  • High earnings potential, especially with commission

  • Flexible work options – employed, self-employed, hybrid

  • Fast training route, no university needed

  • Professional, client-facing role

  • Essential service, especially in housing markets

  • Option to add protection/life insurance for extra earnings

  • Remote work friendly, especially post-pandemic

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Commission-driven – early income may be inconsistent

  • Regulatory pressure – must meet compliance and record-keeping rules

  • Can be stressful, especially around mortgage offer deadlines

  • Long hours – many work evenings and weekends to fit client needs

  • Self-employment requires own leads and marketing

  • Lender delays and paperwork issues outside your control

Lorry Driver Salary UK

Trainee Advisor: £18,000 – £23,000

Employed Advisor (1–2 years): £24,000 – £30,000

Senior / Whole-of-market: £35,000 – £45,000

Self-Employed Advisor: £40,000 – £100,000+

Tax Example:

A self-employed advisor earning £60,000/year might pay:

  • Income Tax: ~£9,432

  • National Insurance: ~£4,149

  • Take-home: ~£46,400/year or £890/week

Taxable income can be reduced with business expenses (fuel, phone, marketing, subscriptions).

What Factors Affect Salary?

  • Leads and client base size – more clients = more mortgages

  • Self-employed vs employed – contractors often earn more per case

  • Whole-of-market vs tied – more lenders = more opportunity

  • Specialist add-ons (e.g. protection, equity release)

  • Geography – London/South East deals tend to be higher value

  • Conversion rate – how many inquiries you turn into completions

  • Volume and lender commissions

What’s the Future for This Role?

Demand for mortgage advisors remains high, even as interest rates fluctuate. Trends include:

  • Online and remote advising – video calls and e-signature platforms

  • Demand for self-employed advisors

  • Greater emphasis on ethical and whole-of-market advice

  • Growth in specialist lending (e.g. self-employed, bad credit, expat)

  • Regulatory tightening may increase compliance complexity

Digital tools (CRM, sourcing platforms like Twenty7Tec or Mortgage Brain) are becoming essential.

Best Companies to Work for in the UK

  • L&C Mortgages - Leading broker, strong training

  • Connells / Countrywide - Estate agency-based advisors

  • John Charcol - High-end and complex cases

  • Habito / Mojo Mortgages - Digital brokers and tech platforms

  • Openwork / PRIMIS - Networks supporting self-employed brokers

  • St. James’s Place (SJP) - Wealth and mortgage advisors

  • Tembo / Mortgage Advice Bureau - Tech-enabled national firms

Final Thought

Being a mortgage advisor can be a fast-moving, client-focused role with excellent earning potential. With training available in under six months and rising demand for personalised financial advice, it’s a strong option for career changers or those with a background in property or finance.

Need help comparing CeMAP providers, calculating commission income, or planning a route into self-employment? Just ask—I can help guide you through it.