One of the most common questions we hear from people especially first time buyers applying for a mortgage is how long it takes to get approved. If you’ve had an offer accepted on a property or you’re preparing to apply, you’ll want to know when you can expect to hear back. While there’s no guaranteed timeline, most mortgage approvals follow a clear process, and knowing what to expect at each stage can help reduce stress and uncertainty.
At Sheffieldmoneyman, we guide our customers through this journey every day. From the initial agreement in principle through to receiving the mortgage offer, we’ll make sure everything moves forward as smoothly and quickly as possible.
What happens before the full mortgage application?
Before your full mortgage application is submitted, it’s usually best to secure a mortgage agreement in principle. This is sometimes called a decision in principle or mortgage promise. It’s a document from a lender that indicates how much they may be willing to lend, based on the information you’ve provided about your income, outgoings, and credit history.
Although it’s not a binding offer, having this in place can speed up the process later on. It also shows sellers and estate agents that you’re a serious buyer who has already taken the right steps to get prepared. This can give you an edge if you’re viewing a popular property or looking to make an offer quickly.
We can usually arrange your agreement in principle within 24 hours, and you’ll be able to use this to support your property search or move ahead with your application when you’re ready.
How long does it take to get a mortgage offer?
Once your full mortgage application is submitted to the lender, most people receive a formal mortgage offer within one to three weeks. This depends on several factors, including how straightforward your application is, how long it takes to complete the property valuation, and how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information.
In cases where the applicant has a stable income, a clean credit history, and all documents ready from the start, we often see approvals come through much sooner. On the other hand, if the lender needs clarification on your income, if there are inconsistencies in your paperwork, or if the property valuation raises questions, the process can take longer.
We stay in contact with the lender on your behalf throughout this stage, providing updates and making sure your case keeps moving forward.
What do lenders check before approving a mortgage?
Once your application is submitted, the lender begins a full assessment of your financial circumstances. This includes confirming your income, checking your credit report, reviewing your monthly outgoings, and assessing whether the mortgage repayments will be affordable both now and in the future.
They also need to make sure the property you’re buying is suitable security for the loan. This means arranging a valuation to confirm that the property is worth the amount you’ve agreed to pay. In many cases, this can be carried out remotely using data and comparable sales. For some properties, a physical inspection may be required, which can affect how long the process takes.
If everything adds up and the lender is satisfied, they’ll issue your mortgage offer shortly afterwards.
What can delay mortgage approval?
There are several reasons why mortgage approval can take longer than expected, and most of them come down to missing information or unforeseen issues during the checks. One of the most common causes of delay is incomplete or inconsistent paperwork. For example, if your bank statements don’t match your declared income, or if your ID documents are out of date, the lender will need time to investigate further.
Valuation issues can also cause delays, especially if the lender’s assessment differs from the agreed purchase price. In some cases, they may reduce the loan amount offered, which then needs to be discussed with you before moving forward.
Other delays can come from employment changes, sudden credit activity, or issues with verifying the deposit source. This is why we carry out a full review of your application before it’s submitted, identifying anything that could raise questions and resolving it early.
How We Help Keep the Process Moving
Working with a mortgage broker like us can make a real difference to how quickly your application is processed. At Sheffieldmoneyman, we know exactly what lenders are looking for and how to present your documents clearly and accurately. We’ll explain each step of the process, help you gather everything you need, and make sure your case is submitted in the strongest possible position.
Once your application is with the lender, we’ll chase up progress on your behalf and keep you fully informed, so you’re never left wondering what’s happening or when you’ll hear back. If any issues come up, we’ll deal with them directly and work with the lender to find a solution.
Speak to a Mortgage Advisor in Sheffield
If you’re preparing to apply for a mortgage or already have an offer accepted, our team is here to help you move things forward. We’ll guide you through every part of the process, from securing your agreement in principle to getting the final mortgage offer in place.
Whether your circumstances are straightforward or more complex, we’ll make sure you know what to expect at each stage and help you get everything ready from the start. If you’d like to find out how quickly you could get approved, or you want to speak to a mortgage advisor about your next steps, we’re here when you need us.
Date Last Edited: October 31, 2025
