The Mortgage Offer Timeline: What Happens After You Apply?
Applied for a mortgage? Here is the full timeline of what happens next, from application to offer and beyond.
You have submitted your mortgage application. What happens next? For many buyers, the waiting period can feel stressful and uncertain. The good news is that lenders follow a clear process to get from application to offer.
Here is the typical timeline and what to expect at each stage.
1. Initial checks (Day 1 to 3)
The lender reviews your documents to confirm identity, income, and address history. If anything is missing, they will request it early on.
2. Credit search (Day 1 to 5)
Your credit file is checked with one or more agencies. This helps the lender assess your repayment history and overall financial behaviour.
3. Affordability and underwriting (Week 1 to 2)
The lender’s system and sometimes an underwriter review your income, outgoings, and commitments. This stage confirms whether the loan is affordable.
4. Valuation (Week 2 to 3)
A surveyor assesses the property to ensure it is worth the price you are paying. This protects both you and the lender.
5. Final underwriting and approval (Week 3 to 4)
If all checks pass, the underwriter signs off the case. A formal mortgage offer is then issued.
The Bottom Line
The mortgage timeline may vary depending on your circumstances and the lender, but knowing the key steps helps ease the waiting game. With preparation and support, you can move smoothly from application to offer.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other loan secured against it.
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On average, between two and four weeks, although complex cases can take longer.
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Yes. Provide all documents upfront, respond quickly to requests, and work with a broker.
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The steps are similar, but some lenders are faster than others and backlogs can cause delays.
