Mortgage Broker Durham | The Mortgage Dog
Friendly, whole-of-market mortgage advice for Durham City and County Durham
Looking for a Mortgage Broker in Durham?
Whether you are buying your first home in Durham City, remortgaging in Newton Aycliffe, or investing in a buy-to-let near the university, The Mortgage Dog is here to help. We are a whole-of-market mortgage brokerage based in Washington, Tyne and Wear, just a short drive up the A693 from Durham, and we have been helping people across County Durham and the wider North East get the right mortgage since 2017.
We are not tied to any single bank or lender. That means we search the entire market to find the deal that genuinely works for you, including exclusive rates you will not find on comparison sites or the high street.
Not sure how much you can borrow yet? Use our How Much Can I Borrow calculator to get an idea before you get in touch. Or if you are at the very beginning of your property journey, find out everything you need to know about getting an Agreement in Principle first.
Who We Are?
At The Mortgage Dog, we're not your typical mortgage brokers.
We're passionate about making remortgaging simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Our team sniffs out the best deals, breaks down complex jargon and guides you through every step of your mortgage journey with energy, expertise, and a friendly wag of the tail
You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage and think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage..
Our Mortgage Services in Durham
First Time Buyer Mortgages Durham
Getting on the property ladder in Durham is a genuinely exciting step. With average house prices in County Durham sitting around £138,000, Durham is one of the most affordable places to buy in the whole of England, and that affordability means your deposit goes significantly further than it would in most parts of the country.
We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. From working out how much you can borrow, to securing your Agreement in Principle, to getting your mortgage offer across the line, we are with you every step of the way. Our First Time Buyer page covers everything you need to know about getting your first mortgage.
Remortgage Advice Durham
If your fixed rate deal is coming to an end or you are thinking about whether switching could save you money, we can help. We compare deals across the whole market and give you honest advice on whether remortgaging makes sense for your situation right now.
Whether you want to reduce your monthly payments, release equity to fund a home extension or renovation, or simply find a better rate, The Mortgage Dog will sniff out the best deal available. Find out more on our Remortgage page.
Buy to Let Mortgages Durham
Durham has one of the strongest student rental markets in the country, driven by Durham University, one of the most prestigious universities in the UK. Student demand is consistent year on year, making Durham a popular destination for buy-to-let investors looking for reliable rental income.
Beyond the student market, Durham City and the wider county attract young professionals, families, and commuters who need good quality rental accommodation. If you are looking to invest in Durham property, whether it is your first buy-to-let or you are growing an existing portfolio, we will find the right mortgage to make your investment work. Visit our Buy to Let page for more information.
Self Employed Mortgages Durham
Running your own business should not stop you from getting a great mortgage. We work with lenders who genuinely understand self-employed income, whether you are a sole trader, contractor, or limited company director. We know how to present your application in the strongest possible light. See our Self Employed page for more details.
Bad Credit Mortgages Durham
Past credit issues do not have to hold you back. We have access to specialist lenders who look beyond a credit score and consider your full circumstances. If you have been turned down elsewhere, it is worth a conversation with us before you give up. Our Bad Credit page explains your options in full.
Moving Home in Durham
Upsizing, downsizing, or relocating within Durham or the wider North East, whatever your situation, we will take the stress out of the mortgage side of things so you can focus on the exciting part.
Why Use a Mortgage Broker in Durham?
Going direct to a bank means you only ever see one lender's products. Going to a comparison site gets you a bit closer but still misses a significant chunk of what is actually available. Working with The Mortgage Dog gives you the full picture.
Our advisers search across the complete range of lenders, from major high street banks through to specialist providers who do not advertise directly to the public. Whatever your situation, whether you have a complex income, some past credit issues, or are buying a non-standard property such as a listed building or a property near the university, we know which lenders are most likely to say yes and at the best rate available.
We cover every type of mortgage including first time buyer, home mover, remortgage, buy-to-let, self-employed and bad credit. We also offer mortgage protection insurance to make sure your home and family are properly covered if the unexpected happens.
We are based in Washington, roughly 20 minutes from Durham City by car, and we offer face-to-face appointments, evening and weekend availability, and remote appointments by phone or video call. Whatever works best for you is fine by us.
We serve buyers and homeowners across the whole of County Durham, including Durham City, Newton Aycliffe, Consett, Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland, Stanley, Chester le Street, and Seaham. We also cover neighbouring areas including: Gateshead, Sunderland, Newcastle, and Washington.
The Durham Property Market
County Durham has one of the most interesting property markets in the North East. Average house prices across the county sit around £138,000, making it one of the most affordable areas in England and a genuinely attractive option for first time buyers who want to keep their costs manageable without sacrificing quality of life.
Importantly, house prices in County Durham are growing faster than the wider North East average. Prices rose by 4.3% in the year to January 2026, compared to a North East average of 2.2% over the same period. That upward momentum makes it a compelling market for buyers and investors alike.
Durham City itself is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in England. The Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sit dramatically above the River Wear on a rocky peninsula in the heart of the city. Durham University brings a large, well-educated population and consistent rental demand. The city has excellent rail connections, with regular fast trains to Newcastle, York, and London Kings Cross, making it popular with professionals who commute further afield.
Popular areas for buyers in and around Durham City include Framwellgate Moor and Nevilles Cross for families, Gilesgate and Claypath for young professionals, and the city centre itself for those who want to be close to everything. Further out across the county, towns like Chester le Street offer excellent commuter links to both Durham and Newcastle, while Barnard Castle and the surrounding Teesdale area attract buyers looking for something more rural.
The rental market across the county is strong. Private rents rose by 6.6% in County Durham in the year to February 2026, driven by a genuine lack of supply across all property types and consistent demand from students, professionals, and families.
How It Works
Step 1. Get in Touch
Drop us a message, give us a call, or book a free consultation online. No obligation, no jargon, just a friendly chat about what you are looking to do.
Step 2. We Do the Hard Work
We search the whole market to find the best mortgage for your circumstances. We explain your options clearly and recommend the deal that is right for you, not just the one with the lowest headline rate this week.
Step 3. We See It Through
From application to offer to completion, we are with you throughout. We chase things up, liaise with lenders, and keep you in the loop so you are never left wondering what is happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unveiling Answers to Your Burning Mortgage Broker Questions in Durham
How much can I borrow for a mortgage in Durham?
Most lenders will offer somewhere between four and four and a half times your annual income, though this varies depending on your deposit, credit history, and monthly outgoings. With average house prices in County Durham sitting around £138,000, many buyers find they are able to borrow comfortably within what most lenders will offer. Use our How Much Can I Borrow calculator to get a rough idea, or book a free chat with the team.
Can I get a mortgage on a listed building in Durham City?
Yes, though listed buildings require specialist lenders who are experienced with the additional complexities involved. Insurance requirements, renovation restrictions, and valuation processes can all differ from a standard property. We have experience with listed building applications and know which lenders are most comfortable with them.
Can I get a buy-to-let mortgage near Durham University?
Yes. The Durham student rental market is one of the most consistent in the country. Lenders assess buy-to-let applications based on expected rental income and your overall financial situation. We will find the right mortgage to make your investment as cost-effective as possible.
Can I get a mortgage with a new job?
Yes, in many cases. Some lenders are perfectly happy to lend to applicants who have recently started a new role, particularly if you are staying within the same industry or profession. We will identify the lenders most likely to say yes to your specific situation.
Do I need an Agreement in Principle before I start viewing homes in Durham?
It is not a legal requirement but it is strongly recommended. Most estate agents in Durham will ask to see one before accepting an offer. Having it in place shows sellers you are a serious buyer and speeds up the process once your offer is accepted. Find out everything about getting an Agreement in Principle on our dedicated page.
Do I need to visit your office?
Not at all. We are based in Washington, roughly 20 minutes from Durham City, and we are happy to meet face-to-face if that suits you better. Most of our Durham clients find it just as easy to deal with us over the phone or on a video call though. It is completely up to you.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are just starting to think about buying in Durham or you need a mortgage sorted quickly, The Mortgage Dog is here to help. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation chat.
Testimonials from Gateshead and other North East clients
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
There may be a fee for arranging a mortgage and the precise amount will depend on your circumstances. This will typically be between £299-£699.
The Mortgage Dog Ltd (FCA Number 788976) is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Mortgage Dog Ltd. is registered in England and Wales under company number 12306191 at the registered address 41a Spout Lane, Washington, NE38 7HP. Not all Buy to Let Mortgages are regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority
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