The Mortgage Offer Timeline: Step by Step
How long to get a mortgage offer? Typical timelines explained, plus what can speed things up or cause delays.
One of the most common questions buyers ask is: how long will it take to get a mortgage offer? The truth is, there’s no single answer. It depends on your situation, the lender, and even the property you’re buying.
Here’s a step-by-step look at the mortgage offer timeline, so you know what to expect — and how to keep things moving smoothly.
Step 1: Submitting your application
Once your broker has helped you gather documents, your application is submitted to the lender. This is the official starting point of the process.
Step 2: Initial checks
The lender carries out basic checks on your ID, income, and credit file. If anything is missing, they’ll request further documents at this stage.
Step 3: Valuation of the property
The lender orders a valuation to ensure the property is suitable security for the loan. This can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the property and surveyor availability.
Step 4: Underwriting
An underwriter reviews your whole case: income, commitments, property value, and risk. If anything needs clarifying, they’ll come back with questions.
Step 5: The mortgage offer
Once everything checks out, the lender issues a formal mortgage offer. This is the document your solicitor will need to move forward with the purchase.
How long does it usually take?
From submission to offer, most applications take 2–6 weeks. Straightforward cases with no issues can be quicker, while more complex cases may take longer.
What can cause delays?
Common causes include missing documents, delays in property valuations, or questions around income or commitments. Using a broker helps minimise these by getting everything right first time.
The Bottom Line
The mortgage offer timeline can vary, but being prepared makes all the difference. With the right advice and organisation, you can reduce delays and move into your new home faster.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other loan secured against it.
-
Usually 3 to 6 months, depending on the lender.
-
Yes. Providing all documents upfront and using a broker can make the process quicker.
-
You may need to reapply or request an extension, depending on the lender’s policy.
