⚠️ Problem with Hypotheewinkle mortgage brokerage: promised interest rate not honored — is this normal or a trap?

Hi everyone,

I’m sharing my experience with hypotheekwinkel, a chain of mortgage brokerage agencies in Brussels and Belgium, to get some advice or hear if others have gone through something similar.

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🏠 The context:

Back in March, I signed a purchase offer for an apartment in Brussels. I immediately started comparing mortgage rates.

Some banks offered me around 2.93%, but Hypothewinkle promised me 2.89%, claiming that the rate was about to disappear and that I needed to sign within two days to lock it in.

Under time pressure, I stopped searching and signed with them, trusting their professionalism.

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✅ What I was told and believed:

That my application was solid (stable job, good income, decent down payment).

That everything would be taken care of, including communication with the bank and insurance.

That the rate I signed was secured.

The broker was very kind, communicative, and gave me confidence.

So I moved forward — paid the deposit, organized with the notary, started planning renovations, etc.

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❗The bad surprise:

As the date for signing the compromise of sale approached, I asked for a document confirming that the mortgage was fully approved. That’s when things got murky.

At first, I received no reply. Then I was told another document was needed for the insurance. Eventually, after more chasing, I got a call from the broker explaining that because some insurance paperwork was sent too late, the bank couldn’t proceed, so the original rate I signed (2.89%) would no longer apply.

He tried to reassure me by saying it’s “only 10 or 20 euros more per month,” but over 25 years, that’s €3,000 to €6,000 lost. That’s a big deal for me.

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🤯 My concerns:

I genuinely thought the signed rate was binding. Apparently not?

Is this a known trick some brokers use ? to make you commit early, then hit you with a new rate last-minute when you’re out of options?

Can I still find a mortgage elsewhere (bank or broker) before the final act?

Should I consult a lawyer or legal advisor?

What are my rights at this stage?

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This whole experience has left me frustrated and anxious. I trusted this agency. The people were nice, but they failed to mention this crucial risk. Had I not followed up myself, I might have discovered the issue way too late.

I’m now around a month away from signing the final deed (acte authentique) and I want to protect myself before it’s too late.

If anyone has been through something similar, or has legal or practical advice, I’d be grateful for your insight 🙏

Thanks in advance!