How long does it take to get a mortgage?

Buying a home can be a big step, and it’s normal to wonder how long the mortgage process takes. Every buyer's journey is different, and how long it takes a mortgage to go through depends on your circumstances, your chosen lender, and the property you're buying.

This guide breaks it all down step by step, so you know exactly what to expect. Whether you're a first-time buyer just starting out or looking to move on to your next home, understanding the mortgage timeline can help you plan ahead with confidence and avoid unnecessary stress.

If you’re thinking about remortgaging rather than buying a home, the process is often simpler than applying for a new mortgage. Find out more in our guide on how to remortgage.

Ready to explore your options? Take a look at our Mortgages to see how we could help.

Preparing for a mortgage (3–6 months before you apply)

The work starts well before you fill in an application form. Getting your finances in order early can make a real difference to how smoothly things go later on.

Build up your deposit 

Most lenders ask for a minimum of 5% of the property's value when applying for a mortgage. The bigger the deposit you can put down, the better the rates you're likely to be offered. If you're not sure where to start, our guide to mortgage deposits can help.

Check your credit score 

Lenders will look at your credit history when deciding whether to lend to you. Simple steps like registering on the electoral roll, paying off outstanding borrowing, and avoiding new credit applications in the months before you apply can all help improve your score.

Get your paperwork together 

You’ll need proof of income to support your application, whether you’re employed, self employed or have other sources of income. This could include payslips, P60s, tax calculations or accounts, along with recent bank statements and proof of ID - you can find a full checklist on our First Time Buyer Guide. Having these ready to go can help avoid delays when you submit your application.

Changing jobs 

If you’re due to start a new job or have recently been promoted, it’s worth knowing that this doesn’t automatically prevent you from getting a mortgage. You may be offered a mortgage if your new role is due to start within three months of submitting your application, subject to lending criteria and the information you provide.

Do some research

It’s also worth speaking to a mortgage adviser or broker early on. They can give you a clearer picture of what you could borrow and help you understand your options. You can speak to a TSB Mortgage Adviser, who can talk you through our range of mortgages, explain your options and support you throughout the application process.

Our Mortgage Calculators are a good starting point too. They can give you an idea of borrowing amounts, rates available to you and the repayments required.

How long does the mortgage application process take? 

Once you've done the prep work, the application itself breaks down into three main stages.

1. Getting a mortgage in principle 

A mortgage in principle (sometimes called an agreement in principle) is a quick check that gives you an idea of how much you could borrow before submitting a full mortgage application. It's not a guarantee, but it shows sellers and estate agents that you're serious about buying.

It's usually valid for 4 months, which gives you time to find a property and make an offer.

2. Submitting a full mortgage application 

Once you've had an offer accepted on a property, you'll need to submit a full application. Timeframes can vary depending on the lender and your individual circumstances – particularly if your application is more complex.

3. Mortgage underwriting and approval 

Not every application will need to be reviewed by an underwriter. In some cases, once the full application is submitted, it may pass the lender’s credit scoring system without any additional checks.

However, even where a case does not require a full underwriting review, lenders would normally still verify income and carry out a valuation of the property as part of their standard process.

The typical timeline here can vary but straightforward applications tend to move faster.

For more guidance on each stage, check out our Mortgage Guides.

What can cause delays? 

A few things can slow down the process. Being aware of them can help you avoid hold-ups:

• Missing paperwork: If you're not able to provide documents quickly when asked, it can add days or even weeks to your timeline.
• Self-employment or variable income: Lenders often need more time to assess applications where your income isn't straightforward. Having your tax returns and accounts ready can help.
• Credit issues: A low credit score or complex financial history might mean the lender needs extra time to review your application.
• Slow responses: The quicker you respond to queries from your lender or solicitor, the smoother things will go.

The house buying process timeline (once your offer is accepted)

Getting your mortgage approved is just one part of the picture. Here's a rough guide to what happens once a seller accepts your offer for a property in England. Please note this is intended as a general guide and is based on the home buying process in England, so steps and timescales may vary depending on your circumstances and location.

Week 0 

Offer accepted on a house. You’ll instruct a solicitor to start the conveyancing process on your property, and then you’ll submit your full mortgage application.

Weeks 1-2

The lender arranges a valuation to check the property is worth what you're paying. Depending on the type of valuation required, this can sometimes be carried out much more quickly – for example, if a desktop or automated valuation is suitable rather than a physical inspection.

Weeks 3-4

If everything is as expected, you should receive your mortgage offer. 

Weeks 6-12

Your solicitor handles the legal work – property searches, reviewing contracts, and conveyancing. This stage can take longer if you're in a chain.

Exchange of contracts

Once all the legal and mortgage checks are complete, you'll exchange contracts. At this point, the sale becomes legally binding.

Completion

Usually one to two weeks after exchange, you'll complete the purchase and get the keys to your new home.

From start to finish: how long does it take to get a mortgage approved and complete your purchase?

If you’re well prepared and everything runs smoothly, you could receive a mortgage offer within three to four weeks and complete your purchase within eight to twelve weeks.

If complications come up (like a long property chain, valuation issues, or delays with legal work) the process can stretch to three to six months or even longer.

Preparation really does make a difference. The more organised you are from the start, the fewer surprises you're likely to face along the way.

Tips to speed up the mortgage process

There are a few simple steps you can take to avoid delays during the mortgage process:

• Get your documents ready in advance

  Payslips, bank statements, ID – have them all to hand before you apply.
• Consider using a mortgage broker

  A mortgage broker can help you find a deal that suits your circumstances and guide you through the application process. They’ll let you know exactly what documents you need and can liaise with the lender on your behalf.
• Speak to a TSB Mortgage Expert

  If you’d prefer support directly from us, TSB’s Mortgage Experts can talk you through your options, explain the process and help you with your application from start to finish.
• Respond quickly

  When your lender or solicitor asks for something, the faster you get it to them, the faster things progress.

Ready to take the next step? 

Having a clear idea of how long the mortgage process can take helps you plan ahead and know what to expect. Whether you’re buying your first home or moving to another one, a bit of preparation can make the process feel more manageable.

If you're just starting to save, our guide on how to save as a first-time buyer has some helpful tips to get you going. You can also read our comprehensive first-time buyer guide for more information on each step of the journey.

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