It usually takes 2-6 weeks from submitting your application to getting a formal mortgage offer.

The total process from an initial mortgage enquiry to home completion is typically 8-16 weeks. That timeline can vary depending on how complex your situation is, how long the property chain is and how speedy your lender is. A remortgage for your existing home can happen much faster than a mortgage for a new home.

This guide gives a rough timeline for getting a mortgage, and covers the traps that can delay you and the tips that can help speed things up.

Habito by Monzo is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 714187).

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

The mortgage application stages at a glance

Applying for a mortgage is just one part of buying a home. There are six main stages to getting a mortgage and each has its own timeline: mortgage in principle; full application; lender assessment; property valuation; formal mortgage offer; completion.

Timeline: How long each stage takes

These timelines are typical estimates - timing can vary depending on your circumstances, the lender and the property.

How long does a mortgage application take through a broker?

A broker can help streamline the mortgage process in many cases; they’ll submit to the right lender first time, cutting any potential delay from a declined application. For straightforward cases, many mortgage applications submitted through a broker receive an offer within around 2-4 weeks, although this varies between lenders and individual circumstances..

In 2025, Habito by Monzo’s average time from mortgage application to offer was 10 days. At the time of writing, we search over 20,000 mortgage products from more than 95 lenders to help find a mortgage that suits your circumstances and help you submit your application with the information lenders require.

Over 92% of mortgage applications submitted through us in 2025 resulted in a mortgage offer within 90 days. These figures are based on Habito customer applications submitted in 2025. Individual circumstances, lender criteria and processing times vary, so outcomes and timescales can't be guaranteed.

Find out more about using a mortgage broker.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

What can delay your mortgage application?

Wondering why your application is taking so long? Many things can delay an application but here are 8 common causes to watch out for.

1. Incomplete documents
2. Complex income sources (if you’re self-employed, for example)
3. Credit issues
4. Property valuation problems
5. Delays in the chain
6. Lender backlogs
7. Slow solicitors
8. Change to your circumstances during the application

How to speed up your mortgage application

Here are 7 ways to help keep things moving so you stay on track.

1. Get a mortgage in principle (MIP) upfront before you do viewings. This gives you an estimate of how much a lender might be prepared to lend you. This is a crucial part of the process in Scotland.
2. Gather all your documents in advance to save hunting around when you want to apply.
3. Use a broker to help streamline the process.
4. Respond to requests quickly.
5. Choose a responsive solicitor. Recommendation from a friend who’s used the solicitor is a great way to choose one.
6. Consider properties with no chain, or a short chain, if you can.
7. Avoid applying for new credit during the application.

How long does each stage take in detail?

1. Mortgage in principle (MIP). You can get an MIP from a broker, lender. A free MIP from Habito takes just a few minutes.
2. Full application. There’s a series of questions to answer and you need to submit ID proof and financial documents such as bank statements. It usually takes 1-2 days to complete.
3. Lender assessment. The lender checks your documents and decides what you can afford. This takes 1-3 weeks.
4. Property valuation. The lender commissions a surveyor to value the property and check it’s worth the agreed price. This typically takes 1-2 weeks.
5. Formal mortgage offer. The lender writes to you setting out how much it will lend you and the terms of the deal. This usually happens 2-6 weeks after you applied.
6. Completion. After your lawyer has done their checks, you exchange contracts (called “missives” in Scotland) with the seller and then complete. The funds get transferred on completion day to the buyer and you start owing interest on your mortgage. This is typically up to 16 weeks from your initial mortgage enquiry, but can vary a lot.

How long does a mortgage take for first time buyers?

Buying a property is the same process whether you’re a first time buyer or you’re buying and selling. Being a first time buyer can mean a mortgage application takes a little longer, though, because you’re less familiar with the process, the jargon and what you’ll need. Find out more in our first time buyer mortgage guide.

Do different lenders take different amounts of time?

The time your lender takes can vary a lot, depending on how busy it is (and how efficient). There’s no single lender that’s always fastest. But your broker can advise which lenders are processing faster at the time you’re looking to apply.

Find out what mortgage options could work for you

Navigating the market on your own can be tricky, especially as a first time buyer. You can chat with one of our friendly mortgage experts for free. They can help you see what deals you could be eligible for.

Options available to you will depend on lender criteria, affordability and your personal circumstances.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Habito by Monzo is a mortgage broker, not a lender. We’re authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 714187). This content is intended for general guidance and is not a substitute for personalised mortgage advice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does mortgage approval take?

The approval stage - once you’ve submitted your formal application - involves the lender checking your financial details and underwriters assessing your income, your credit and the property's value to decide whether you can afford the mortgage. This typically takes 1-3 weeks.

Can I speed up a mortgage application?

In many cases, yes, you can. Get your documents ready, use a broker, respond to any queries the same day, choose a proactive solicitor and avoid getting any new credit after you apply for a mortgage. Doing these things will help avoid delays.

Why is my mortgage application taking so long?

Common reasons for delays include submitting incomplete documents, having complex income sources, issues with the property valuation, and lender backlogs.

How long does conveyancing take?

The legal process of buying a house typically takes 6-12 weeks. It involves local authority searches, environmental checks, drafting contracts and more. Find out more in our full house-buying timeline.

This article is based on guidance from organisations such as MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice and GOV.UK. Mortgage rules and legal processes can change, so it's worth checking the latest information or speaking to a qualified adviser.

Information is correct at the time of publication and may change. Mortgage lending criteria, interest rates and processing times can change without notice. Always check the latest terms and conditions before taking out a policy.

This article is for general information only and isn't personal financial advice.