When you fill an online form, you're basically saying "Here's my details - who thinks that looking at these I'll make a good customer?".

Usually the forms are syndicated out to different lenders, who then often reply directly to you with their offer, so you can pick and choose.

The warning I'd give is not so much about giving your details online - as much as be aware that if vendors contact you, they will have some of their smoothest-talking salespeople do it.

So ensure you don’t make any snap decisions over the phone, and do look to consider all offers in context.

Also ask about various associated fees, such as early repayment and exit fees, in case you want to look to move to another provider a few years down the line.

Great advice. I know I was trying to figure out what the going rate was one day. I don't know what button I pushed, but for several months I got regular calls from people wanting us to refinance through them. I just wanted to know the interest rate - not refinance.

I am a mortgage advisor here in Dubai, and I am sure that the type of information needed to give you an idea of mortgages available doesn't need to include personal information such as your names, address, dates of birth, etc. Try not to pass any of this information online - they don't need this info, but want it, so that they can contact you about mortgage, loan, credit cards, etc. Let me know if you want to discuss your options - I would be more than happy to meet you in person.