Serious About Buying a Home? Get Your Mortgage in Principle First
You’ve found the perfect home online. You book a viewing. You fall in love with it. But by the time you’re ready to make an offer, someone else beats you to it — and they’ve already got their mortgage in principle. It happens more often than you think.
If you're planning to buy, one of the most important things you can do before you start booking viewings is to get your mortgage in principle (also known as a Decision in Principle or Agreement in Principle).
Some people — even mortgage advisors — might tell you to wait. But here’s why that advice could cost you time, money, and possibly your dream home.
1. It Doesn’t Affect Your Credit Score
A mortgage in principle involves a soft credit check, not a full application.
That means:
It won’t leave a mark on your credit file.
You’re under no obligation to proceed with that lender.
You can shop around later with no penalty.
There’s absolutely no downside to having it ready — only benefits.
2. You Shouldn’t Have to Pay for It
Getting a mortgage in principle should cost you nothing.
If your advisor is asking for a fee just to get you this basic document, it’s a red flag. You're not committing to a mortgage yet — you're just getting prepared.
A good advisor will help you get offer-ready without charging you upfront.
3. Avoid Wasting Your Own Time (and Everyone Else’s)
House hunting takes time, effort, and emotional energy. You book viewings, rearrange your schedule, get excited — only to find out that the home isn’t financially realistic for you.
Without a mortgage in principle:
You don’t know your actual budget.
You risk chasing the wrong properties.
You’re not in a position to move quickly when the right one comes along.
You could miss out simply because someone else came prepared.
By getting your mortgage in principle early, you protect your time and energy — and you make sure you’re only viewing homes you can genuinely afford and act on.
4. Be Taken Seriously by Agents and Sellers
Sellers want commitment. Agents want certainty. When you make an offer and already have your mortgage in principle and proof of deposit ready, you send a clear message:
You are serious, motivated, and ready to move.
Pro tip: send your documents over before the agent asks. It shows you’re not just browsing — you mean business.
5. Speed Matters
In a competitive market, speed makes all the difference. Having your mortgage in principle ready means:
You can make a confident offer immediately.
You won’t be held up by admin when it matters most.
You stay one step ahead of buyers who aren’t prepared.
Final Thoughts
Getting your mortgage in principle is one of the simplest, smartest things you can do as a buyer.
✅ It’s free
✅ It doesn’t harm your credit
✅ It shows you’re ready
If your advisor tells you not to bother?
Maybe they’re the one who isn’t ready.
You are.
Need a Hand?
If you need help securing your mortgage in principle — or you've already got one but want to shop around — give us a call on 01795 474848
We’ll get you booked in with one of our trusted, recommended mortgage advisors who can guide you through the process and make sure you're fully offer-ready.