Stand up for yourself

Arm yourself with as much information as you can about the types of deals (eg fixed, capped, discounted, cashback) and repayment methods available before you go for advice.

If you want advice, rather than just information, make sure you tell the adviser that you want a recommendation of what's best for you.

Ask the adviser to tell you about the deals they offer and to go through the pros and cons of each.

Think about your circumstances and future plans (eg do you want to pay extra off on your mortgage? Is your income likely to change dramat ically in the next few years?). Make sure you tell the advisers about them - don't wait to be asked - and get them to explain why the mortgage they've recommended is suitable for you.

Think about your attitude to risk. Do you want a guarantee that you will repay your mortgage by the end of the term? Or are you happy to go with a repayment method that doesn't give you that guarantee?

Be aware of the myths: You don't have to take a mortgage over 25 years. Ask the adviser to quote on a 20-year term or less as well as the standard 25-year term. And repayment mortgages aren't bad if you want to move.