How to get a mortgage
A step by step guide, from start to finish
Last updated on
Mar 13, 2025 15:11
If you’re wondering how to get a mortgage, you’re not alone. For many people, the process can be pretty overwhelming, so here’s some guidance.
We’ll talk through each step, outlining the basics that lenders look for, the documents you need at each stage, and the different types of mortgage to choose from.
There are a few essentials for you to be eligible for a mortgage in the UK including:
If you’re eligible for getting a mortgage in the UK, the process usually involves these steps:
Here’s a breakdown of each step.
If you’re planning to go for a £200,000 property, a 5% deposit would be £10,000, a 10% deposit would be £20,000, and a 15% deposit would be £30,000. Generally, the bigger the deposit, the more mortgage deals you’ll have to choose from. This is because a bigger deposit means a smaller mortgage loan and less risk for the lender.
If you're a first-time buyer in the UK, you may have access to government schemes which can help you get onto the property ladder.
Next, it’s time to figure out how much you’ll be able to borrow. A quick calculation can give you an idea - think about these things:
If you want a clearer idea of how much you can borrow, you can get a mortgage in principle (MIP). It’s a certificate from a lender or broker that says how much they could lend you. It’s not legally-binding, but it does give you an idea of what’s possible.
Use our mortgage calculator to get a clearer idea of how much you can borrow and get your mortgage in principle from Habito in a matter of minutes.
Now it’s time for a bit of admin. To make sure the mortgage process runs smoothly, you’ll need a few documents at the ready:
It’s best to get this info together before you start the application process.
Here’s the fun bit. Now you know what you can afford, you can go and check out some properties on the market. Maybe even plan the colour scheme, kitchen, or imagine yourself chilling out on the sofa. Lovely.
Just like homes, mortgages come in all shapes and sizes. It’s useful to know which one suits you best, because different mortgages have different benefits, drawbacks, and eligibility criteria:
o Retirement interest only mortgages are designed for retired people. You only pay the interest monthly and repay the full sum if you sell the house, pass away, or go into care.
All this choice can be a lot to take in. At Habito, we’re a whole-of-market mortgage broker, and we’re also a lender — so we can help you get to grips with all the different options. We’ve got over 20,000 deals to show you from over 90 different lenders. Take a look.
With the right type of mortgage in mind, it’s time to find the right lender. They all offer different rates, eligibility criteria, and benefits with each mortgage deal.
After choosing the right mortgage (possibly with the help of Habito), you can apply for an agreement in principle (AIP). An AIP shows that a lender is happy to give you a certain amount for a certain property. It’s still not 100% guaranteed that you’ll get the mortgage, but it’s a sign that you’re on track.
For an AIP, you’ll usually need:
If you’re looking for an AIP, visit Habito - the application shouldn’t take more than half an hour to complete and you’ll get your AIP back in less than 48 hours.
At this point, you’re almost finished with the mortgage application process. All of the documents get sent to the lender as a formal application.
To finalise things, you’ll need a solicitor or Licenced Conveyancer. They’ll make sure the whole process is legitimate, plus they’ll double check a few things:
If you want to make this part easier, check out Habito Plus. It lets you track your mortgage, legal work and survey, all in one place.
How long does it take to get a mortgage?
The whole process can take 4 to 6 weeks once you’ve submitted your application. And if you choose Habito, we’re with you every step of the way. A personal expert will find the best option for you, handling the entire process from start to finish.
Getting a mortgage takes planning, organisation, and (a little patience!), but when you get those keys in your hand, it’ll all be worth it. Ready to get started?
Chinaza Agbor is the latest artist to participate in our This Is Our Home project. We photographed her work “Peace and My Things” outside her home in South London, then caught up with Chinaza to discuss her unconventional artistic background and why, for her, home is nomadic.
How do mortgages work? And what are the different types of mortgage out there? We’ve got all the key facts here.
Habito specialises in helping you get the best mortgage or remortgage, all online, for free