How Underwriters Actually Look at Your Mortgage Application

Ever wondered how underwriters actually decide if your mortgage is approved? Here’s what happens behind the scenes when lenders review your application.

Most people picture mortgage applications as a quick calculator check: income in, borrowing amount out. In reality, underwriters are the gatekeepers of the process. They look beyond the numbers to decide whether you’re truly a safe bet for a lender.

Here’s what really happens behind the scenes when an underwriter reviews your application — and what you can do to prepare.

What an underwriter actually does

An underwriter’s role is to assess risk. They don’t just check your salary — they piece together your financial story. Their job is to ensure the lender won’t lose money by lending to you.

The key things they review

• Income: Is it stable, consistent, and sufficient?
• Outgoings: Loans, credit, childcare, subscriptions, and more.
• Employment: Permanent role vs probation, recent job changes, or self-employment.
• Credit history: Not just your score, but how you’ve managed commitments.
• The property: Is it mortgageable, valued correctly, and suitable security for the loan.

Why two similar applications can get different results

Even if two people earn the same, their borrowing potential might differ. Commitments, lifestyle, and credit history all affect the outcome. Underwriters don’t just look at what you earn — they look at what’s left after life’s expenses.

Common reasons for delays or declines

• Missing documents or inconsistent information.
• Large unexplained transactions in bank statements.
• Undisclosed debts or credit commitments.
• Employment changes during the application.

How to strengthen your case

• Prepare documents in advance (payslips, bank statements, ID).
• Avoid new credit or big spending during the process.
• Be upfront about loans, childcare, or commitments.
• Work with a broker who knows how to package your application.

The Bottom Line

Underwriters are looking for confidence. The more organised, consistent, and transparent your case is, the more likely you’ll secure the mortgage you want.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other loan secured against it.

• Do underwriters just follow the computer decision?

  No. Automated systems give an initial decision, but underwriters make the final call using discretion.

• Can underwriters decline for small issues?

  Sometimes. Even small inconsistencies, like unexplained spending, can cause delays or declines.

• How can I avoid underwriter delays?

  Provide all requested documents quickly and accurately, and avoid new debts during the process.