Checked by Connor Fitzgerald, Founding Director
A mortgage application can feel like a massive task, particularly if you’re navigating the process for the very first time. From gathering documents to waiting on lender to make decisions, it’s natural to wonder how long the process will take.
Applying through a mortgage broker can simplify your mortgage application and speed up the process, but timelines can still vary depending on your circumstances and the lender involved.
In this guide, we’ll break down each stage of the UK mortgage application process, explain what can cause delays, and show how long it should approximately take when you’re working with a broker.
When you apply for a mortgage through a broker, it typically takes around two to four weeks to complete the full application and receive a formal offer from a lender.
At The Levels Financial, we always aim to complete this within two to three weeks. In some cases, it can be even quicker; sometimes just a matter of days. That said, as with any broker, timings can vary depending on factors outside our control, so it can take longer than our two to three week benchmark.
Ultimately, how long a mortgage application takes when applying through a broker depends on several factors, including:
Applying through a mortgage broker is usually quicker than going directly to a lender.
While the core application process is broadly the same whether you apply directly with a lender or through a broker, a broker can help streamline each step and reduce the risk of unnecessary delays. This is because a broker:
Consequently, it comes as no surprise that mortgage brokers accounted for 87% of all mortgages written in the UK in 2024, and this figure is expected to increase to 91% this year (2026), according to the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association.
If you’re reading this guide, chances are you’re considering applying for a mortgage through a broker. The first step is simply finding the right mortgage broker and sharing a bit about your situation.
They’ll ask you to provide some personal details, including your income, outgoings, and the type of property you’re hoping to buy.
This part is worth taking your time over. Choosing a broker with a strong reputation and a track record of excellent customer service can make the whole process far easier and less stressful.
Once you’ve spoken to your mortgage adviser and agreed to move forward, they’ll submit your details to obtain a Decision in Principle (DIP), also known as a Mortgage in Principle or Agreement in Principle.
This will give you a clear idea of how much you could potentially borrow, an important step in your home-buying journey.
Lenders will calculate your DIP using a combination of key details, including:
It’s important to note that the amount shown in your DIP is an initial, advisory figure based on the information you’ve provided. At this stage, it isn’t a commitment from the lender to lend you that money.
Because this stage doesn’t require a detailed review of your finances or personal circumstances, you’ll usually receive your Decision in Principle within 24 hours.
This is where the excitement begins to build…
Having a decision in principle puts you in a strong position, giving you a clear understanding of your budget and showing estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious, credible buyer.
It’s worth keeping in mind while you’re house hunting that the type of property you choose can affect how long the mortgage application process takes.
For example, homes of non-standard construction may require additional checks and take longer to progress, while a property with no onward chain can often lead to a quicker, smoother completion.
Once you’ve made an offer on your dream home and had it accepted, it’s time to make things official and submit your full mortgage application.
While you can apply with the same lender who issued your Decision in Principle, you can also choose a different lender if a better option is available.
This is where your mortgage broker’s advice really comes into its own. They’ll compare thousands of mortgage deals to find the most suitable option for you. As mortgage rates change frequently, it’s possible that if a few months have passed, another lender may now be offering a more competitive rate.
The full application involves providing more detailed information about your personal and financial circumstances. This includes:
After submission, you can typically expect to wait around two to four weeks for your official mortgage offer, depending on how quickly the lender can arrange and complete the property valuation.
Once the lender has received your full mortgage application, they’ll get things moving straight away.
First, they’ll instruct an independent surveyor to arrange a valuation of the property you’re looking to buy.
Valuations typically take two weeks to arrange, carry out, and complete.
At the same time, they’ll review your application and supporting documents in detail. If they need any additional information or clarification, they’ll let your mortgage adviser know so they can work with you to provide anything required.
Once the lender has everything they need to approve your application, they’ll issue a formal mortgage offer.
This is a legally binding offer, and the lender can’t withdraw it unless there’s a change to your circumstances or the property.
Most mortgage offers are valid for six months, although this can vary depending on the lender.
While a mortgage broker takes on the heavy lifting during the mortgage application process, there are actually a few simple things you can do to ensure things move as quickly as possible:
Sometimes a mortgage application can take longer because the circumstances are more complex. This is when a mortgage broker’s expertise can prove particularly helpful.
You’ve probably heard the popular myth that self-employed individuals won’t be able to secure a mortgage.
When you’re self-employed, your income can fluctuate throughout the year, which can make the mortgage process less straightforward than it is for employed applicants. However, to help ensure your mortgage application doesn’t take longer than necessary, make sure you’re prepared with the following:
With the right preparation, a mortgage broker can present your income clearly and avoid unnecessary delays.
You can read our full self-employed mortgage guide here.
Even if your credit history isn’t perfect, including if you have CCJs, it doesn’t necessarily mean your application will be declined. It may just involve a few extra checks, which can sometimes slow the process of your mortgage application.
Lenders may ask questions about previous missed payments, defaults, or CCJs, and could request a bit more supporting information to properly assess affordability and risk.
As we mentioned earlier, if you’re buying a property with a non-standard construction, your mortgage application could take slightly longer.
When we say non-standard construction, we mean things like:
It’s important to note that there are niche lenders who deal with these types of properties on a daily basis. By choosing to complete your mortgage application through a broker who knows, and has access to, these lenders, delays can usually be kept to a minimum.
If you’re looking to apply for a mortgage, whether that be for the first-time or because you’re looking to move somewhere new, we’re here to help. You can book a free consultation with one of our award-winning advisors today by clicking here.
Because we always have your best interests at heart, you need to know that your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.
