Mortgage pre-approval (also called an Agreement in Principle or Decision in Principle) is a statement from a lender that says, in principle, they’d be willing to lend you a certain amount. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a strong signal that you’re mortgage-ready based on a quick check of your credit history and finances.

It's typically valid for 30 to 90 days and can be refreshed if needed. While not legally binding, it helps everyone involved know you're serious, especially estate agents and sellers.

Benefits of getting pre-approved

Getting pre-approved comes with a load of benefits, especially if you’re actively house-hunting:

  • Confidence in your budget: You’ll know exactly what you can afford, which helps narrow down your property search.
  • Stronger buyer status: Sellers (and estate agents) will take you more seriously because your offer won’t be held up waiting on finance.
  • Smoother process later on: You’ve already provided basic financial info, so the full mortgage application tends to move faster.
  • Spot issues early: If something’s holding you back, like a low credit score, you’ll know in advance and can take steps to fix it.

Think of pre-approval as your ticket to shop for homes with confidence. It’s not mandatory, but it gives you a real head start.

Steps to secure pre-approval

Ready to go? Here’s how to get pre-approved for a mortgage in the UK:

1. Check your credit report

Before anyone else does, take a peek at your credit history. Use services like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion to check for any red flags, and correct any mistakes.

2. Understand your budget

Take stock of your income, debts, regular outgoings, and deposit. A lender will be checking your affordability, you should, too.

3. Gather your documents

Typically, you’ll need:

  • Proof of income (e.g. payslips or SA302s if self-employed)
  • Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
  • Proof of ID and address
  • Information about any debts or loans

Having this ready can speed things up.

4. Choose your lender (or broker)

You can apply directly with a bank or lender, or work with a mortgage broker to find the best deal across the market. Brokers do all the legwork, comparing deals, explaining the small print, chasing paperwork, and guiding you through the process.
While not all brokers have access to every lender, Habito is whole-of-market, which means we can look across thousands of deals to find what suits you best. It’s like having a mortgage matchmaker in your corner.

5. Apply for an Agreement in Principle

This can often be done online and takes minutes. The lender will run a soft credit check, which doesn’t affect your score and give you a decision quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even at the pre-approval stage, a few wrong moves can trip you up. Watch out for these:

  • Applying with errors or missing info: Incomplete applications delay the process, or worse, lead to rejection.
  • Assuming pre-approval is a guarantee: It’s not. If your finances change or the property doesn’t meet lender criteria, full approval could still fall through.
  • Making big purchases or changes in the meantime: Avoid taking on new debt (like a car loan or credit card) before your mortgage completes.
  • Skipping the broker: A good broker can improve your chances and help you avoid the usual hiccups and hold-ups.

In a nutshell

Getting pre-approved isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it’s a smart move that gives you the confidence (and credibility) to make serious offers. It sets you up for a smoother mortgage journey and shows sellers you mean business.

At Habito, we’ve helped thousands of people get mortgage-ready with free advice, friendly brokers and a process that’s as hassle-free as possible. No jargon. No stress. Just clear steps and a helping hand.

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