How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage?
- Mortgage Tree
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
When you're buying a home, getting your mortgage approved as quickly as possible is vital so you can move fast in today's competitive market. But how long does it take to get a mortgage and how can you speed up the process? At Mortgage Tree, we help thousands of clients navigate this journey every year. Here's everything you need to know...
How Long Does a Mortgage Application Take?
A mortgage application typically takes two to four weeks to process from start to finish. However, several factors can influence this timeline, including how busy your chosen lender is, how straightforward your financial circumstances are, and how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information.
The encouraging news is that with Mortgage Tree's expertise, you can get an indication of how much you can borrow and even secure a "mortgage agreement in principle" almost instantly. This preliminary approval shows what a lender is likely to offer you based on your income and credit profile, giving you the confidence to start house hunting seriously.
Why Choose Mortgage Tree for Your Mortgage Journey?
At Mortgage Tree, we understand that the mortgage process can seem overwhelming. That's why our experienced team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring you get the best possible deal while minimizing delays and stress.
Why Does a Mortgage Application Take So Long?
The mortgage approval process involves extensive checks to ensure both you and the lender are making a sound financial decision. Mortgage Tree helps streamline this by ensuring you have all necessary documentation ready from the start:
Income Verification: 3 months of payslips, bank statements, your latest P60, and self-assessment returns (if self-employed)
Financial Commitments: Details of all outgoings, including childcare costs, so we can present a complete picture of your finances
Identity and Address Proof: We'll ensure you're on the electoral roll and have all required identification
Deposit Evidence: Proof of your deposit, including proper documentation for gifted deposits from family
Professional Details: Information about your solicitor and estate agent
Property Valuation: The lender will conduct a mortgage valuation to confirm the property's value
Mortgage Application Timeline with Mortgage Tree
1. Finding Your Perfect Mortgage Deal
Timeline: Same Day
This is where Mortgage Tree truly excels. Rather than spending weeks researching different lenders and their criteria, our expert advisors conduct a comprehensive fact-finding session to understand your unique circumstances. We then search our extensive panel of lenders to find the most competitive deals that match your profile.
Many of the best mortgage deals are only available through brokers like Mortgage Tree, giving you access to exclusive rates and products you won't find on comparison websites. Our deep knowledge of each lender's criteria means we can match you with those most likely to approve your application quickly.
2. Securing Your Mortgage Agreement in Principle
Timeline: Instant
Once we've identified your ideal mortgage, Mortgage Tree can help you secure a mortgage agreement in principle (AIP) instantly. This preliminary approval shows estate agents and sellers that you're a serious, qualified buyer, giving you a crucial advantage in competitive situations.
While an AIP isn't a full mortgage offer, it provides valuable confidence about your borrowing capacity and demonstrates your commitment to potential sellers.
3. Submitting Your Full Application
Timeline: 20 Minutes
Here's where Mortgage Tree's service really saves you time. Instead of struggling with complex application forms, our advisors handle the entire application process for you. We ensure all documentation is complete and properly presented, significantly reducing the chance of delays due to missing or incorrect information.
Our team knows exactly what each lender requires and presents your application in the strongest possible light, increasing your chances of quick approval.
4. Receiving Your Mortgage Offer
Timeline: 2-4 Weeks
After submission, the formal mortgage offer typically takes 2-4 weeks, assuming everything proceeds smoothly. During this period, several key stages occur:
Application Review: The lender examines all provided information and conducts credit checks
Additional Information: If the lender requires further documentation, Mortgage Tree coordinates this quickly
Property Valuation: A surveyor assesses the property to ensure it provides adequate security for the loan
Property Valuation Process
The mortgage valuation usually takes around two weeks to complete. The surveyor must arrange access, conduct the assessment, and provide their report to the lender's underwriter. If everything meets the lender's criteria, your formal mortgage offer will be issued.
Important Note: A mortgage valuation protects the lender's interests but doesn't tell you about the property's condition. Mortgage Tree can arrange comprehensive house surveys through our trusted surveyor network to give you complete peace of mind about your purchase.
From Mortgage Offer to Completion
Once your mortgage offer is secured, you're nearly at the finish line. When your solicitor completes all pre-contract enquiries and searches, you'll be ready to exchange contracts and set a completion date.
Mortgage Fund Release
Timeline: 3-7 Days
Most lenders release mortgage funds within 3-7 days of the completion date. Your solicitor coordinates this process, ensuring the money reaches the seller's solicitor in time for completion.
How Mortgage Tree Speeds Up Your Application
Using Mortgage Tree's services can significantly accelerate your mortgage journey:
Expert Lender Matching: We know which lenders are most likely to approve your specific circumstances, reducing rejection risk and delays.
Application Management: Our team handles all paperwork and liaisons with lenders, freeing up your time and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Document Preparation: We provide clear checklists of required documents and help you organize everything properly from the start.
Ongoing Support: Throughout the process, your dedicated Mortgage Tree advisor keeps you informed and handles any queries or requests from the lender.
Wide Lender Panel: Our relationships with numerous lenders mean we can quickly pivot to alternatives if issues arise with your first choice.
Additional Services from Mortgage Tree
Life Insurance Consultation
During your mortgage application, it's wise to consider life insurance. While not mandatory, life insurance provides crucial protection for your family if you have dependents relying on your income.
Mortgage Tree can arrange competitive life insurance quotes from leading UK insurers, ensuring your family's financial security alongside your new home purchase.
Remortgage Services
When your initial mortgage deal ends, Mortgage Tree can help you remortgage to secure better rates. Remortgage offers typically last three months, and our team ensures you switch seamlessly to avoid reverting to higher standard variable rates.
Mortgage Offer Validity
Standard mortgage offers remain valid for up to six months, giving you ample time to complete your purchase. Remortgage offers typically last three months. If your offer expires, you may need reassessment, but Mortgage Tree will guide you through this process if needed.
Why Choose Mortgage Tree?
At Mortgage Tree, we're committed to making your mortgage journey as smooth and successful as possible. Our experienced team combines market expertise with personalized service, ensuring you get the best possible deal in the shortest possible time.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, moving home, or remortgaging, Mortgage Tree has the knowledge and connections to help you achieve your property goals efficiently and cost-effectively.
Ready to start your mortgage journey? Contact Mortgage Tree today for expert, fee-free advice tailored to your circumstances. Our team is here to turn your property dreams into reality.
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