Top lenders’ websites were often found to omit crucial information about their interest rates and loan details, with the average website scoring less than six out of ten for helpfulness.

Adam Goodvach, director of Global Reviews, which conducted the research, said: “Many lenders’ websites don’t really help people get their head around the mortgage process; they are more concerned with getting people straight to the application form itself.

“People need to become engaged before they buy, but at the moment, the websites aren’t doing enough to present an entire package to the consumer.”

Research has looked at the websites of 13 leading mortgage lenders, and found that customers were often dissatisfied with the information available.

While ING Direct led league table scores, it only achieved a meagre six out of ten overall. Barclays failed to achieve higher than three out of ten, placing it last in the league table, just below Northern Rock and Cheltenham & Gloucester.

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According to the report, mortgage websites may often place heavy emphasis on their design and appearance, rather than their content.

Adam Goodvach said: “Most websites put more effort into the quality of the application form, which is where a lot of websites got their highest scores.

“This means that while websites may have this as a strong point, even the highest overall scores are not very high.”

The study also shows that among those who research mortgage products online, 52% do so before they speak to a broker or adviser, with 18% using mortgage websites before they close their deal.

When asked why so many people choose to do their research online, Adam Goodvach said: “People want to arm themselves with as much information as possible before they speak to a broker, in order to prevent themselves from being taken advantage of.”