How Long Does Mortgage Approval Take?

This article is for general information only and does not constitute regulated mortgage advice. All mortgages are subject to status and lender criteria. Finance 4 Homes Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Beneficial Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 736655).

Applying for a mortgage can feel like stepping into a world of waiting rooms. You fill in forms, submit documents, and then… wait. But how long does mortgage approval actually take in the UK?

The truth is, there’s no single answer. Timescales vary depending on your lender, financial situation, and even how organised you are with paperwork. For some, approval takes just a few days. For others, it can stretch to several weeks.

This guide breaks down the stages of mortgage approval, what can speed things up (or slow them down), and how you can prepare to make the process as smooth as possible.

What Does “Mortgage Approval” Actually Mean?

When people talk about mortgage approval, they often mean one of two things:

1. Agreement in Principle (AIP) – sometimes called a Decision in Principle or Mortgage in Principle. This is the lender’s initial indication that they’re willing to lend, based on a soft credit check and basic financial information. It usually takes minutes to hours.
2. Full Mortgage Offer – this is the formal approval that comes after your full application and underwriting. The lender has reviewed your documents, verified your income, and completed a property valuation. This stage usually takes two to six weeks.

So, while you might get an AIP the same day, getting from application to official mortgage offer takes a bit longer.

The Stages of Mortgage Approval

Let’s look at how the process usually unfolds, from first contact to full offer.

1. Getting a Mortgage in Principle (Same Day)

An Agreement in Principle is quick and easy to obtain, either online or through a broker. It’s not binding but gives you a good idea of what you might be able to borrow. Estate agents often ask for it before you make an offer on a property.

You’ll need:

• Basic income and expenditure details
• Address and employment history
• Consent for a credit check

If your finances are straightforward, this can be done within an hour.

2. Submitting Your Full Application (1- 2 Weeks)

Once you’ve found a property and agreed on a purchase price, your broker or lender will submit your full mortgage application.

You’ll typically need to provide:

• Payslips or proof of income (3–6 months)
• Bank statements (usually 3 months)
• Proof of ID and address
• Details of debts, loans, and commitments
• Property details and purchase agreement

If your paperwork is in order and your broker has packaged your case properly, the application can move to underwriting quickly.

3. The Underwriting Process (2 – 4 Weeks)

This is where the lender takes a deep dive into your financial situation. Their underwriters will assess:

• Affordability and income stability
• Your credit report and payment history
• Any existing loans or commitments
• The property valuation report

If the underwriter needs clarification or additional documents, the process can take longer. Having everything ready and responding promptly to requests is the best way to avoid delays.

4. Property Valuation (Usually Within a Week)

Most lenders require a valuation to ensure the property is worth what you’re paying for it. This can be a simple desktop valuation or a full physical survey, depending on the lender and property type.

For most standard cases, valuations are completed within 3–7 working days, but unusual properties or busy markets may take longer.

5. Mortgage Offer Issued (4–6 Weeks in Total)

Once underwriting and valuation are complete, your lender will issue a formal mortgage offer. This document confirms the terms, amount, and interest rate of your mortgage.

For a straightforward application, this can happen within four weeks. However, complex cases (such as self-employed applicants or those with credit issues) can take longer.

The good news is that once you’ve received your mortgage offer, it’s usually valid for three to six months, giving you time to complete your purchase.

What Can Slow Down Mortgage Approval?

Even the best-prepared applications can run into delays. Common reasons include:

• Missing or incomplete documents – for example, bank statements that don’t show your name or address.
• Discrepancies in information – differences between what you’ve declared and what the lender finds on your credit file.
• Busy lender pipelines – some lenders have longer turnaround times during peak periods.
• Property valuation issues – if the property value comes back lower than expected, it can delay or derail approval.
• Complex financial histories – self-employment, variable income, or adverse credit often require extra verification.

How to Speed Up the Mortgage Approval Process

While you can’t control everything, there’s plenty you can do to help things move faster.

1. Get your documents ready early – Gather payslips, bank statements, proof of ID, and P60s before you start.
2. Check your credit file – Ensure it’s accurate and up to date. Correct any mistakes before applying.
3. Use a mortgage broker – Brokers know which lenders have faster processing times and can pre-empt common issues.
4. Respond quickly to your lender’s requests – Delays often happen because applicants take too long to send additional documents.
5. Choose the right lender for your situation – Some lenders are quicker with employed applicants, others with self-employed or complex cases.

How Long It Takes – At a Glance

Every case is unique, but this gives you a realistic overview of what to expect.

Specialist Cases: What If You Have Bad Credit?

If you’ve had credit issues such as defaults, CCJs, or late payments, don’t panic. Specialist lenders exist for exactly this reason.

However, because these lenders manually review each application, the process may take slightly longer—sometimes six to eight weeks instead of four. The extra time allows them to fully understand your financial story and assess affordability on a case-by-case basis.

Working with an experienced broker can significantly reduce this delay by ensuring your application is well-prepared before submission.

Final Thoughts

Mortgage approval times vary, but preparation is everything. For most borrowers, the full process from application to offer takes around four to six weeks. Being organised, transparent, and proactive can make all the difference.

If you’re unsure where to start—or if you’ve had credit issues in the past—Finance 4 Homes can help you find the right lender and guide you through the process smoothly.

We may charge a fee for arranging your mortgage. A typical fee could be up to 1 per cent of the loan amount, depending on circumstances. Your actual fee will be confirmed before the application.

Not all applicants will qualify. Product availability, interest rates and loan amounts depend on individual circumstances and lender criteria.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, you can get free and impartial debt advice from organisations such as MoneyHelper, StepChange, or Citizens Advice.

Finance 4 Homes Ltd | Appointed Representative of Beneficial Ltd (Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – FCA 736655) | For UK consumers only | Registered in England No. [insert] | Last updated October 2025.