The length of your mortgage journey can vary depending on a few factors, but here’s a general idea of what to expect:

Initial application: The first step is submitting your mortgage application and providing all the necessary details. This usually takes around 1-2 days to complete, but it can be quicker if you have all your documents ready.

Decision in Principle (DIP): After you apply, the lender will review your information and issue a Decision in Principle, which lets you know how much you could borrow. This usually takes anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.

Full mortgage application: Once you have your DIP, you can submit your full application, including all supporting documents like proof of income and identification. This part usually takes about 1-2 weeks, but it can take a bit longer if more information is needed.

Valuation and surveys: The lender will arrange for a property valuation to ensure it’s worth what you’re paying. If you decide to do any additional surveys (like a building survey), that can take a little longer. Expect this part to take around 1-2 weeks.

Offer and completion: Once everything is in order, the lender will issue a formal mortgage offer. This typically takes 1-3 weeks after the valuation and survey are completed. After that, you'll move on to the final stages—exchanging contracts and completing the purchase—which can take another 1-3 weeks.

Overall, the entire process from start to finish typically takes 4 to 12 weeks, though it can be a little longer if things are more complicated.

If you’re remortgaging, the process tends to be a bit quicker—around 4-6 weeks—since there’s no property purchase involved and less paperwork to handle.
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