The internet is the perfect starting point for embarrassment-free, hassle-free and largely cash-free mortgage research. Although many British adults have no fear of financial transactions over the internet, they still need some convincing over the potential of buying a mortgage online. Not all the mortgage lenders offer online mortgage services. Some of the leading leading mortgage lenders offering this service include Alliance & Leicester, Egg, Nationwide Building Society and Halifax.

Broadly speaking there are two types of online mortgage sites - mortgage lender sites and mortgage brokers. These differ enormously in quality, style and content. The major problem with most of these sites is too much information, which results in wastage of time or makes it difficult to distinguish between advertising material and researched editorial.

Certain sites allow comparison of mortgages next to each other. Most mortgage sites offer a telephone helpline or link to quality mortgage advice which may be free or charged.

When using an online mortgage site, be wary of internet sites which might be set up by a few East London geezers chancing their arm in the mortgage top up UK leads game. They may just be throwaway sites with no proper support, run by people who sell on your contact information with the result your phone will be ringing off the hook for the next few weeks with calls from eager salesmen, flicking through a database, and finding your name.

When looking for an online mortgage broker do some research in order to find one that can get the most favorable terms.

Use following checklist to scrutinise an online mortgage broker:

- Time taken to respond to queries

- Company name

- Registered office with a street address

- Telephone number

- Years in business

- Name of mortgage broker personnel mentioned on the site

In this and following articles we'll be reviewing a comprehensive selection of UK online mortgage resources.

1. ABC Loans

The service is designed to be as easy as possible to use to take the hassle out of finding the right kind of mortgage. Service is effective, friendly, and 100 per cent confidential. Claims to obtain offers even if refused a mortgage by other lenders.

2. Alfa Mortgages

Alfa Mortgages arrange and broker mortgage deals for any amount up to ?1 million. They offer loans up to 125 per cent of property value. Claims to able to help borrowers who are:

i)self-employed, with or without any proof of income or

ii)have a poor credit history or

iii)have had court judgements against them or

iv)have fallen in to arrears on a loan or defaulted on prior mortgage

Alfa Mortgages also claims to be able to aid individuals who have faced an individual voluntary arraignment or are a discharged bankrupt.

For many more reviews of respected UK mortgage institutions online, please visit Part II of The Complete Guide to Online UK Mortgages.