BuildStore Reviews 231

We have been using Buildstore since early 2022 when we dealt with their mortgage advisors for a decision in principle for the self-build project on the plot of land we found a few months earlier. Since then, we agreed to our self-build mortgage with them, started the works on site in April 2023 and completed the build in December 2025. After this, we decided to use them again for our first remortgage post-completion.
Overall, Buildstore has not only met but exceeded our expectations. Initially, we were cautious due to negative reviews from other self-builders when we began the advising process, as everything was very new to us, but we encountered none of the negative bits other mentioned.
Everyone we dealt with, from mortgage advisors, case managers and support specialists, was extremely helpful and always knowledgeable, polite and quick in getting back to us. The online portal worked well, even if we felt that the interface could be perhaps a little bit smoother, especially on mobile. Their advisors have always been open to offer multiple product recommendation so that the final choice on the mortgage was truly ours. There was total transparency about all fees and charges, and our experience is that most of these kept being removed rather than added. The stage releases were easy and quick, and we felt backed on most moments where the lender would request something specific and Buildstore would to fight our corner.
As a cherry on the cake, the remortgaging process (from January to March this year) felt very smooth. For a new build, built to our own spec and design, the first “residential” remortgage felt daunting but instead proceeded and resolved very quickly. We feel so lucky that we managed to nail that down just on the sweet spot when the rates were coming down and just before they started shooting up again.

Thank you Buildstore for everything.
M & E in Brecon, Wales.

We used BuildStore for our self build mortgage and would highly recommend. The process involves a lot of paperwork and back and forth but our case manager, Mike Wardlaw, was great in guiding us in what was needed and when. He was also very quick at replying and no question was deemed to daft. We have now completed our self build and have used BuildStore in sourcing a standard residential mortgage for our property. Overall a good experience!

New Build
Build store worked with me to secure my Self build mortgage which quite simply I would not have managed without the guidance.
the communication from the start of the process through to completing our build and moving to a standard mortgage has been first class.

I can highly recommend them.

Thanks for everything

John Anna and Eli

Buildstore has helped us build our dream home. The whole process has been easy and many thanks to Mike who has been there to keep everything flowing and ensure we had no holdups.

All the team members have been very helpful and communicated with me promptly going through the whole process.

It's our first self-build mortgage and we knew that Buildstore offered more support and guidance with self-build than other brokers - we've been in rented accommodation for 5 years trying to get planning permission so there's a lot riding on it. Luckily for us from the first conversation with Shaun Smith, he has gone above and beyond to explain and reassure at every stage of a the process, which is more complicated than a normal mortgage. His advice has been individual to us getting the best all round deal, he knows the providers inside out, so could match our needs to the way they work. He explained the reasons he was advising one way or the other at every point.
It has been quite stressful at times to get the mortgage approval and Shaun has been so helpful and kind and put in so much effort to get it done.

What can I say, the team at Buildstore have made our self build project so much easier, with special mention to Shaun Smith, mortgage advisor who helped us secure the funds to finish our build. Thanks Shaun, you have been great!

A great service to use... ifyou are looking for a mortgage broker who is knowledgeable, proactive, and genuinely cares about getting you the best deal, look no further than Buildstore Mortgage Options. I will absolutely be recommending them to friends and family."

We had a great experience with BuildStore. Our point of contact there was Shaun Smith, who was very knowledgeable of the products and providers who would meet our specific needs. Then he was very good a taking us through the process of applying, securing the loan and working through the process of getting the cashflow right for our project.
Overall an excellent experience with BuildStore driven by Shaun, we would highly recommend them

One of the most pathetic efforts i habe ever encountered in 30 plus years of property dealings and financing.
3 weeks 6 different advisors and still not even shown any product they can provide.

Stuart was very good in explaining the process of obtaining a self build mortgage and has been great in helping us obtain the necessary finance.

Good experience, delivered what they said they'd do. If there was any delay Aysha had it covered and would endeavour to get to the bottom of it.

From the beginning, Build store and Laura in particular,) were extremely helpful and supportive. Understanding the needs for my mortgage and how best to pace me and the scenario I have (a SIPS panel house). They were quick and communicated really well - I thoroughly recommend.

I was so happy with the service provided from BuildStore. James Park and Aysha Mill were both so helpful and very responsive throughout the process. I ended with a mortgage offer I was more than happy with. The process was smooth and completed quicker than expected. They were understanding and never judgemental of my situation. Their support did not end once I’d paid my commission after I received my offer. They were there until I completed. I would definitely recommend. Thank you.

Don’t use them!!! They do not care about you as a customer! They purely work to gain their commission and not to get you what you need. They refuse to acknowledge when they are wrong and you will get no apology for them being a complete shower.
NO STARS!!!!!

Brilliant from start to finish. Great communication and supported the whole mortgage process to perfection. Cannot recommend enough.

Although a large organisation, large organisations depend on the people at the sharp end dealing with clients. So often the facet dealt with poorly is communication , both within the organisation and with the client.
A caring attitude toward the client is also very much valued for those in the often bewildering process of obtaining a mortgage.
Having successfully helped navigate me through the delicate process of gaining funding for a self build project whilst maintaining my own home I have been more than impressed with Buildloan.
In particular Shaun Smith and Fiona Robb have been professional throughout the process and presented information in an user friendly form.
The help has continued after the completion of the mortgage when further information was required from the solicitors and underwriters.
The only slight but good humoured discord has centred on the quality of rugby played by our respective nations.

This company (BuildLoan aka BuildStore) is a terrible entity to deal with. Their communications are poor at the best of times, partly due to the interface through their portal which makes it difficult to track conversations, resulting in a lot of repetition and tail chasing. Case workers are liable to go offline at no notice for weeks at a time, leaving you with no access to advice or funds. I have been waiting for more than 9 weeks for a request for funds to be passed to the mortgage lender. This delay in processing is costing me a lot of money. It is impossible to get an update from BuildLoan/BuildStore.

Proactive, maintained good communication throughout, couldn't ask for much more.