How long does a mortgage application take through a broker?

Author - Aidan Darrall Editor - Stuart Bowman

Last reviewed on 3rd February 2025

In this article:

• Is applying through a broker quicker than applying with a lender directly?

• How long does a mortgage application take?

• The mortgage application process

• Tips to help you speed up your application

Is applying through a broker quicker than applying with a lender directly?

Yes, it’s usually quicker to apply through a mortgage broker. Though the application process itself is largely the same whether you apply through a broker or a lender, working with a broker can help to streamline the process and avoid any unnecessary delays. That’s because a broker:

• Finds suitable mortgage deals quickly. A mortgage broker like Mojo can compare thousands of deals from across the market within minutes - much simpler than painstakingly comparing lenders and their rates yourself. 

• Understands lender requirements. Brokers know what lenders are looking for in a mortgage application and they’ll help you get it right the first time. This avoids unnecessary back and forth and prevents any delays.

• May offer affordability and eligibility assessments. Reduce the chance of your application being rejected (and therefore delaying the whole process) by applying with lenders who are most likely to accept you. Some brokers, like Mojo, offer free affordability and eligibility assessments so there’ll be no nasty surprises when you come to submit your application. 

• Helps handle the process from start to finish. Dealing with all the admin that comes with a mortgage application, from handling paperwork to communicating with third-parties, takes up time. A broker will do it all for you. 

• Knows the process. A broker is an expert in the mortgage process, so they’re pros at handling any bumps in the road or queries that come in. This means any issues can be resolved quickly without delaying your application.

• Can support complex cases. Brokers can help to navigate discussions with lenders if you have a less straightforward application. 

We talk more about the advantages of using a broker here.

How long does a mortgage application take?

74% of our homebuying customers received their formal mortgage offer less than 4 weeks after submitting their application*. That’s typically quicker than the expected waiting times when applying with a lender directly, as having broker support can help to avoid delays throughout the process.

The full property-buying process can take several months, though. This depends on things like:

• Your personal and financial circumstances

• The property you buy

• How many people are part of the chain

• The lender’s processing times

• The outcome of the lender’s valuation. 

It also ultimately depends on the accuracy of your application and how quickly you can respond to requests for information. A broker will step in and help with this where they can.

About the mortgage application process

Here are the key steps to help you get to grips with what to expect:

1. Choose your mortgage broker 

Get started by finding a mortgage broker and telling them a bit about you. 

Fill out our discovery form to get your personalised mortgage recommendation from Mojo Mortgages. It’ll cover your personal details, income and outgoings and what kind of property you’re looking to buy. Completing an online form is a great time saver as there’s no messing around with reams of paperwork. It’s well worth choosing an online broker if you’re looking for a more streamlined process.

Once complete, you’ll have the option to speak to one of our Mortgage Experts. They’ll provide personalised recommendations on the mortgage products available to you.

2. Apply for a mortgage in principle

A mortgage in principle (MIP), sometimes also known as a decision in principle or agreement in principle, gives you an idea of how much you can borrow from your chosen lender. It doesn’t guarantee that your mortgage application will be accepted. 

A mortgage broker can help you get a mortgage in principle with your chosen lender. This usually just involves a soft search so you don’t have to worry about any impact on your credit file. As it doesn’t involve a deep-dive into your finances or your personal circumstances, you should get a MIP back within 24 hours. Here at Mojo Mortgages, though, our specialist team can get you a MIP straight after your initial consultation so there’s no waiting around at all. 

So how long does a mortgage in principle last? It depends on the lender you choose, but a mortgage in principle usually lasts from 30 to 90 days. This should give you plenty of time to find the perfect property and put an offer in. But if you need to take a little longer to find your dream home, don’t worry, your broker can help you get another MIP sorted in no time. 

3. Start house hunting 

Now it’s time for the fun part - finding your perfect home.

Having a mortgage in principle can really help you here, as you’ll have a much clearer idea of your buying budget. It also shows estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

It’s worth noting that the type of property you buy can impact how long the mortgage application process takes. For example, a non-standard construction property can add significant time to the process whereas a property with no onward chain might result in a quicker completion.

4. Apply for a mortgage through a broker 

Once you’ve had an offer accepted on your dream home, you can officially apply for your mortgage. This can be with the same lender that gave you your mortgage in principle, or you may wish to apply with another lender. 

Your mortgage broker’s advice will be invaluable here. They’ll be able to compare thousands of deals and recommend the best option for you. Mortgage rates are constantly changing so, if a few months have passed since you first received your mortgage in principle, it may well be that another lender is offering better rates. 

The full application involves submitting in-depth information about your personal and financial circumstances, including your income and outgoings, details about the property you want to buy and who is involved in the process (such as your estate agent and solicitor). A hard credit check will be conducted at this stage, too, so lenders can fully assess your credit history alongside your affordability. 

Here’s all the information you need about the documents mortgage lenders will ask for as part of the application process.

The good news is, if you’re working with a broker, they’ll do most of the hard work for you. They will:

• Help you gather the right paperwork

• Fill out and submit the application form on your behalf

• Advise if there’s anything you can do to improve your application, such as working to boost your credit score 

• Liaise with the lender to answer any queries promptly

Submitting a mortgage application through your broker won’t take long, particularly if you’ve already gathered the documentation they need. However, you should expect to wait around two to four weeks for your official mortgage offer to come through depending on how quickly your lender can arrange and complete a property valuation.

5. Arrange a mortgage valuation 

Before you get your mortgage offer, your chosen lender is legally required to arrange a property valuation. This basically ensures that the property is worth the amount you’ve offered for it. 

An independent surveyor will look out for any structural problems or defects that could affect the property’s value but a valuation from a mortgage lender is not the same as a survey. If you want a more detailed inspection it’s recommended you carry out your own comprehensive survey. 

A valuation can take a couple of weeks to arrange, carry out and complete. This is usually when the underwriting process takes place too.

6. Receive your mortgage offer

If the lender is happy the true value of the property matches the amount you’re buying it for, they’ll issue your formal mortgage offer. This is a legally binding offer and the lender can’t withdraw it unless your circumstances or property changes. 

Most mortgage offers last six months, but this will depend on your chosen lender. It can be stressful if your mortgage offer is close to expiring, but working with a broker can really help to bring extra peace of mind. They’ll do all the chasing and negotiating on your behalf, so you’ll get regular updates from all parties involved in the process including estate agents and conveyancers. 

And, if the worst-case scenario happens and your mortgage offer does expire, your broker will help you to apply for a new mortgage - either with your existing lender or a new one.

7. Exchange contracts

At this point, you’ll exchange contracts with the seller and pay your deposit, making the sale legally binding. 

It usually takes a few months to exchange after you’ve received your official mortgage offer. That’s because lots of things go on behind the scenes while you’re waiting for your mortgage offer to come through, such as your solicitor carrying out the conveyancing process. It could also take much longer if you’re part of a long chain as your sale will be impacted by the progress of other sellers or buyers. 

8. Move in! 

There's usually about a week between exchange of contracts and completion, though it could take longer depending on other parties involved in the chain.

A few days before the completion date, your lender will release funds to your solicitor or conveyancer. The money will then be passed on to your seller’s solicitor and, once that’s happened, you’ll finally be able to complete the purchase. You’ll collect your keys from your estate agent. The only thing left to do is start making your house a home.

Yes, the purchasing process can be a long one, but don’t be too disheartened. Over half of our purchase customers made it from offer to completion in under three months!

Tips to help you speed up your application

How long it takes for a broker to get you approved depends on lots of different factors but there are a few things you can do to speed up the process. 

• Gather key documentation. You’ll need to provide your ID (such as your driving licence and passport), copies of your three most recent bank statements, three most recent payslips, proof of address and proof of deposit when applying for a mortgage, so get them ready before starting the application. 

• Check your credit report. Having a good credit history will help your mortgage application be approved quickly, so download a copy of your credit report and make sure there are no errors or inaccuracies. 

• Get on top of your admin. Small steps like registering on the electoral roll or making sure the name on your mortgage application matches other important documents can help the mortgage application process go smoothly. 

• Save for a deposit. It can often be easier and simpler to apply for a mortgage with a lower loan-to-value ratio so, if you can, get saving for that all-important deposit sooner.

• Start house hunting. It’s good to have a rough idea of the kind of property you want to buy, to make sure your dream home is aligned with your budget. You may find it takes longer to complete a mortgage application if you’re buying a non-standard construction property. 

• Communicate with your broker. Your broker will likely fill out and submit your application on your behalf, but it’s important you share accurate, complete information with them at every stage. This will help them do what they do best - secure you that mortgage offer. 

*All data shown is from Mojo Mortgages' own customer records, covering the period from January 1 2024 to December 19 2024.