The mortgage application process, explained

General guidance, not a personal recommendation. Lender criteria, insurance terms and costs depend on the product and your circumstances. Numerical examples are illustrations unless expressly identified as an individual quote. Check current terms with your adviser and tax or legal points with the relevant specialist.

Applying for a mortgage is less complicated than most people think, but it's also less instant than Netflix. A full application from start to offer typically takes 2-5 weeks. Most of that time is spent waiting for underwriters, surveyors and solicitors, not filling in forms.

Here's what actually happens, in order, and what we do at each stage on your behalf.

What happens and when

1. Discovery call

A quick 15-minute call to understand your situation, what you're trying to buy, income, deposit, timing, any complications. We tell you honestly whether we can help and what's realistic. Free, no obligation.

2. Fact find & affordability

Structured conversation (in person or video call) gathering the information needed to model affordability. Income, outgoings, credit history, deposit source, property details. Usually 45-90 minutes. This is where recommendations start taking shape.

3. Agreement in Principle (AIP)

An Agreement in Principle is a conditional indication of potential borrowing based on the lender's checks and the information provided. The search may be soft or hard; ask which applies before proceeding. Its validity and timing vary. An estate agent may ask for one, but it is not a legal requirement for making an offer and does not guarantee a mortgage offer.

4. Property offer accepted

Once your offer is accepted on a property, we move to full application. You'll also instruct solicitors at this point.

5. Full application & evidence

Complete application to the chosen lender, with full evidence pack: payslips, bank statements, tax documents, ID, proof of deposit source, etc. Typically 1-3 days to prepare. We submit on your behalf.

6. Underwriting

Lender's underwriter reviews the application, reviews evidence, requests any additional documents (common), and makes a decision. Typical timescale 1-3 weeks. Longer for complex cases, shorter for vanilla.

7. Valuation

Lender instructs a surveyor to value the property. Drive-by, desktop or physical visit depending on lender/LTV. Down-valuations and valuation issues surface here.

8. Mortgage offer

Formal, legally binding offer from lender. Usually valid 3-6 months (can extend for new build). Signed copy goes to your solicitor for the exchange/completion process. You're now free to exchange when your conveyancing is ready.

What evidence will I need?

The standard evidence pack for an employed applicant:

• ID: passport or photo driving licence
• Proof of address: utility bill or bank statement (last 3 months)
• Last 3 months payslips
• Latest P60
• Last 3 months bank statements (current account)
• Proof of deposit source: savings statements, gift letter if gifted, sale of property if downsizing

Self-employed applicants need tax calculations (SA302s), tax year overviews, company accounts, and often an accountant's letter. See our self-employed page for the full list.

We'll tell you exactly what's needed before you start gathering paperwork. The biggest source of delay is evidence that doesn't match what the lender expects, we avoid that.