How to Get a Mortgage in Principle UK 2026 — Complete Guide

If you're thinking about buying a home in the UK, a mortgage in principle is one of the first things you need to sort. It's quick, free, and could be the difference between having your offer accepted or losing the property to someone else.

This guide covers everything you need to know — what a mortgage in principle is, how to get one, how long it takes, and what to do next.

What is a mortgage in principle?

A mortgage in principle (also called an agreement in principle or decision in principle) is a written statement from a lender confirming how much they would be willing to lend you, based on a basic assessment of your finances.

It is not a formal mortgage offer — it is an indication. But it is a crucial first step for any home buyer in the UK.

Estate agents and sellers take buyers with a mortgage in principle far more seriously. In a competitive market, not having one could cost you the property.

Why do you need a mortgage in principle?

There are three main reasons:

First, it tells you exactly how much you can borrow — so you only view properties you can actually afford. There is no point falling in love with a £400,000 home if the most a lender will offer you is £280,000.

Second, it makes you a credible buyer. Estate agents will often ask whether you have a mortgage in principle before booking viewings. Sellers in a chain will feel more confident accepting your offer.

Third, it speeds up the process. Once you find a property and have your offer accepted, having a mortgage in principle already in place means your full mortgage application can move faster.

How to get a mortgage in principle UK

There are two ways to get a mortgage in principle — direct with a lender, or through a mortgage broker.

Going direct means approaching a bank or building society yourself. This is fine but limits you to that lender's products only.

Going through a mortgage broker gives you access to the whole market — hundreds of lenders and thousands of products — and a broker can find you the best rate for your specific circumstances. For most buyers, using a broker is the smarter choice.

Your free plan shows when to do this and connects you with an FCA-regulated adviser if you choose.

What information do you need?

To get a mortgage in principle you will typically need:

• Your income — salary, self-employed earnings, or other income sources
• Your outgoings — regular commitments like loans, credit cards, and subscriptions
• Your deposit amount — how much you have saved or available
• Your credit history — lenders will run a credit check, usually a soft check that does not affect your credit score
• Your employment status — employed, self-employed, contractor, or other

The process takes around 15 to 30 minutes online or over the phone.

How long does a mortgage in principle last?

Most mortgage in principle certificates last between 60 and 90 days. If yours expires before you find a property, you can renew it — it is a straightforward process.

Does a mortgage in principle affect your credit score?

Most lenders run a soft credit search when issuing a mortgage in principle, which does not affect your credit score. However some lenders run a hard search — always ask which type of search they will carry out before proceeding.

If you apply to multiple lenders in a short period using hard searches, it can temporarily lower your credit score. A mortgage broker can help you avoid this by identifying the right lender first time.

Mortgage in principle vs mortgage offer — what's the difference?

A mortgage in principle is an initial indication of how much a lender might offer you. It is based on basic information and is not a guarantee.

A mortgage offer is a formal, legally binding commitment from a lender to provide a specific amount of money for a specific property, subject to conditions. You receive a mortgage offer after submitting a full mortgage application and having the property valued.

You need a mortgage in principle before you start viewing seriously. You need a mortgage offer before you can exchange contracts.

What happens after you get a mortgage in principle?

Once you have your mortgage in principle, you are ready to start viewing properties seriously and making offers.

When your offer is accepted, your next step is to submit a full mortgage application. Your broker will guide you through this — it involves more detailed financial checks, a property valuation by the lender, and a formal underwriting process.

Your free plan shows when to do this and connects you with an FCA-regulated adviser if you choose.

How long does the full mortgage process take after the in principle?

Once you have submitted a full mortgage application, it typically takes 2 to 6 weeks to receive a formal mortgage offer, depending on the lender, the complexity of your finances, and how quickly the property valuation is carried out.

This is why it is important to instruct a solicitor at the same time as submitting your mortgage application — both processes run in parallel and delays in one can hold up the other.

Ready to take the next step?

Getting a mortgage in principle is free, takes under 30 minutes, and puts you in the strongest possible position as a buyer. The sooner you do it, the sooner you can start viewing with confidence.

BandBack Move builds you a free personalised moving plan covering every stage of your move — from mortgage in principle to settling into your new home.