No impact on your credit score
What is a Mortgage in Principle?
A Mortgage in Principle (MIP), also known as an Agreement in Principle (AIP) or Decision in Principle (DIP), is a written document from a chosen lender stating how much they’d be able to lend you based on a select criteria. This means that the lender has indicated their willingness to loan a certain amount of money based on the initial facts they have received, allowing you to proceed with the process of buying a property
Learn how much you can borrow
An MIP shows how much a lender is prepared to offer you, in principle, and over what term.
Your Credit Score Stays Safe
An MIP uses a soft credit check, so you can see what you may be able to borrow without affecting your credit score.
Apply Online, 15 Minute Decision
Complete your application with The Mortgage Broker in just 15 minutes and receive your decision in principle.
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No Credit Impact, No Obligation
Get Your Mortgage in Principle in 15 Minutes
Who it’s for
Homebuyers, remortgagers, and property investors who want a clear understanding of their borrowing potential before making an offer on a property. We support clients in all situations: employed, self-employed, earning through dividends or contracts, or with past credit issues.
What we do
We provide fast, free MIPs/AIPs/DIPs, and our soft credit checks do not affect your credit score. You will receive a clear view of how much you could borrow, which lenders may consider your application, and the deposit that may be required – even if your credit history is less than perfect.
How it works
You can apply online or speak directly with one of our advisers. We’ll collect your basic income and financial details and perform a soft search across over 130 lenders and 25,000 mortgage products. Your MIP certificate can be ready in as little as 15 minutes, valid for 30–90 days and easy to renew. It is suitable for property viewings, negotiating offers, or comparing remortgage options.
Why choose us
At The Mortgage Broker, our team is FCA-regulated and all our advisers are CeMAP-qualified. With over 2,500 verified five-star reviews, our service combines expert guidance with a tech-enabled, discreet process. We support self-employed applicants, those with adverse credit, and Buy-to-Let investors. You can even secure multiple MIPs to compare options or switch lenders confidently.
Request your Mortgage in Principle online, book a free appointment, or speak with a specialist adviser. There is no impact on your credit score and no obligation to continue with any mortgage product.
Your Mortgage in Principle in 3 Simple Steps
Get your mortgage in principle certificate and understand your financial position in around 15 minutes. We run eligibility checks across our lender panel, then place your MIP with the lender that fits your case.
Tell Us Your Goals & Circumstances
5-10 minutes of detail: Income & Deposit
Soft Search Mortgage in Principle
We compare 25,000+ Mortgage Products
Get your Mortgage in Principle Certificate
We advise on your position and handle everything
What You Need To Get a Mortgage in Principle
Affordability Checks:
Before we are able to give you an accurate indication on how much you can borrow, we’ll need some basic information about your current financial situation. This typically includes:
- Salary, bonuses, commission, and/or any self-employed income
- Regular monthly outgoings
- Existing credit commitments and loans
- Details of dependants
We can cover this over the phone with you, where we’ll discuss the type of property you’re looking to buy and whether we think this is realistic given your current standing.
For a Soft Search Mortgage in Principle:
A soft search Mortgage in Principle requires a few additional details to verify your credit profile without affecting your credit score. You’ll usually need to provide:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your current address (and previous addresses if you’ve moved within the last three years)
- Employment details
- A breakdown of income and committed expenditure
For a Complete Mortgage Application:
Once you’re ready to proceed with a full mortgage application, you’ll need to provide supporting documentation to evidence your circumstances. This typically includes:
- Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Payslips (usually last 3 months) or SA302s/tax calculations if self-employed
- Recent bank statements (usually 3 months)
- Evidence of deposit (savings statements or gifted deposit letter)
At this stage, the lender will carry out a full credit search and assess your documentation in detail before issuing a formal mortgage offer.
Next step
Get independent access to the wider market and ensure you search best rates. Talk to broker, explain goals, get instant Mortgage in Principle. Book Free Appointment.
Send Your Desired Property Listing & We’ll Sanity Check Mortgageability
Looking for reassurance with your budget? We can assess your mortgageability in 15 minutes.
Becoming Buyer Ready: Why You Need A Mortgage In Principle
Having a clear understanding of what you can afford means you can view properties, knowing exactly where you stand financially. While it isn’t compulsory to have a Mortgage in Principle in place before booking viewings, having one immediately signals to sellers and estate agents that you are a serious, credible buyer.
Given how competitive the property market is in 2026, it’s more important than ever to be buyer ready. Buyers are returning to market and estate agents are busier than ever with appointments and viewings – you need to prove you’re not a timewaster.
When you enquire about a property, agents are trying to qualify you quickly:
- Are you financially able to buy?
- Are you dependent on selling another property?
- Are you likely to secure a mortgage?
- How quickly can you move?
If you already have a Mortgage in Principle arranged through us, you immediately demonstrate:
- You’ve spoken to a professional
- Your income and credit profile have been assessed
- A lender is willing (in principle) to lend to you
- You’re serious about purchasing
In short, there’s no time to waste when moving to buy a property in the current market. You need to be in a place to book viewings and make offers with no uncertainties around finances.
Get Clarity, Get an MIP in 15 Minutes
Why Our MIP Stands Out From the Rest
At The Mortgage Broker, we don’t just hit ‘submit’, we structure your application the way lenders need to see it and approve it. Our technology checks over 25,000 mortgage products from 130+ lenders, but it’s our human expertise that helps secure the best outcome.
Unlike instant apps that churn out generic AIPs, we:
- Use real soft credit checks (not estimates)
- Explain your results and next steps in plain English
- Offer a free broker-led review, not just automation
- Have 2,500+ 5-star reviews backing our service
With no fee for a mortgage in principle and advice that adapts to your circumstances, it’s trust, technology and tailored advice, all together.
15 Mins
To get a mortgage in principle25,000+
Search & Compare RatesMortgage Agreement in Principle Explained in 2 Minutes
So, you may have heard the term ‘mortgage in principle’ (also often abbreviated to MIP) and you may also have heard some similar sounding terms. Let us clarify for you:
- Agreement in principle
- Offer in principle
- Decision in principle
All of these are just different terms for the same thing.
Get Mortgage ready today – whether a first time buyer, a home mover or looking to remortgage, you can get started and get into prime position with an agreement in principle.
If you have your eye on a new property or remortgaging, a decision in principle will help you understand how much you can borrow, what the costs look like and what you are able to afford.
- Quick affordability checks
- 15 minutes for a decision in principle
- Understand how much you can borrow
- What does your mortgage look like!
If purchasing a property, a decision in principle makes you a stronger buyer. It means you know your costs, you are ready with the mortgage and are you are actively buying in that price range. If negotiating a price, this illustrates you can move faster and have had your affordability initially accepted by the lender.
How Long is a Mortgage in Principle Valid For?
A Mortgage in Principle (MIP) usually lasts around 6 months, though some lenders may set a shorter period, such as 60 or 90 days.
Getting one early is a smart move. It shows estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious, offer-ready buyer and not just browsing. It doesn’t lock you into a lender or product, but it proves you’ve been credit-checked and your affordability has been reviewed.
In short: it’s all upside, no downside. You’ll be mortgage ready, confident about your budget, and ready to move fast when you find the right home.
Mortgage In Principle With The Mortgage Broker
| Mortgage in Principle FAQ | The Mortgage Broker Delivery |
|---|---|
| Speed of Certificate | Get your AIP in under 15 minutes – Downloadable |
| Credit Check | Soft check – no impact on your credit score |
| Validity Period | Typically 30 to 90 days |
| Why Do I Need One | Clarity, Helps with Viewings, offers & estate agents |
| Application Method | Get Started Online, Free Appointment & Search |
| Trusted Broker | 2,500+ 5-star reviews | FCA Regulated | 130+ Lenders |
Get a Soft Footprint Decision in Principle within 15 Minutes
Our team of mortgage experts will simply ask you some questions about you and anyone else that is applying for the mortgage. This will include information about your employment status, income and what you are looking to do. This will enable our team to see if we can get you an offer in principle, and this will not affect your credit score,
- Proof of income
- Details of Outgoings and Existing Credit
No impact on your credit score!
Get startedThe mortgage deal The Mortgage Broker found us came to £300 less per month, than our original AIP told us from a different broker, and we had our mortgage offer within a week of applying.
How Do We Secure Your Mortgage in Principle?
Once our mortgage advisers gets the basic information from you, such as income, employment status, deposit, goals etc, the steps taken to get an offer in principle are typically as follows:
Research Lenders
Searching the market for the best rate, and most suitable mortgage for your situation is key to a successful mortgage in principle. This will ensure that only the lenders that will support your product needs are considered.
Application
The Mortgage Broker are integrated with Halifax and can get you an offer in principle within 15 minutes. We have over 12,000 other products that we can quickly search, and we can complete an application for you via our service and platforms. Of course, we also have years of relationship building and credibility behind us, so we do it online, but also speak over the phone directly if required.
Credit Check
The lender will always perform a credit check when assessing the viability of your mortgage application. For an offer in principle, this is often just a soft check, but our team of advisers all know exactly which lenders do what and will advise you on this. The credit check is an important part of the process to establish creditworthiness and helps the lender to determine how much they are willing to lend you.
Assessment
The lender will assess all the information that we provide them. This process is becoming increasingly digital and it is imperative that the information is presented correctly to ensure the best chance of finding the most cost-effective mortgage offer in principle.
Decision
If all is successful with the information and application, then the lender will provide you with an offer in principle. This essentially outlines an initial acceptance based on the facts and illustrates how much the lender is willing to lend you.
The decision in principle is not a guaranteed offer of a mortgage. It is an indication of how much the lender is willing to lend you, but this is always subject to further checks and assessments by way of an income and expenditure budget review.
This is why it is so important to use a mortgage broker when applying for a decision in principle, to ensure that you are presented correctly, and are applying to lenders that we know will follow through with their initial decision based on the criteria they have and your financial circumstances.
Do I have to get a decision in principle to make an offer on a property?
This depends on the method of your property purchase. It is becoming more and more common that properties are being bought and sold via online auction. If you are purchasing through an online auction, more recently known as the Modern Method of Auction, then you are required to have a decision in principle before making an official bid. This is because you are expected to complete within 56 days and you must be mortgage ready to make this commitment.
Generally speaking though, it is not a requirement to have a mortgage offered in principle in order to make an offer on a house. Estate agents and sellers will take you more seriously as a buyer, but it is not normally a requirement. Sellers can stipulate that they require you to prove you have a decision in principle before considering your offer.
What’s the Difference Between a Mortgage in Principle and an Actual Mortgage Offer?
A decision in principle (mortgage in principle / offer in principle / agreement in principle) is a preliminary decision by the lender that indicates how much they would be willing to lend based on the initial set of facts that we present to them. This means it is not a formal offer and you are not able to complete a purchase or a remortgage with just a decision in principle.
Key Facts:
- Indicative quote on what you can borrow
- Often a soft foot print on your credit file
- Used to understand and illustrate how much you can borrow
- Demonstrates the buyer to be a serious buyer and financially capable
- Helps speed up the mortgage process when proceeding
This is the formal agreement and offer of a mortgage from the lender. This means the lender, following a full fact check of the applicants circumstances, is willing to loan the agreed amount on the designated property.
Key Facts:
- Formal binding agreement by way of contractual commitment
- Subject to legal processes and property surveys
- Full search on credit report has been successfully approved
- Thorough assessment of applicants finances has been approved
- Illustrates the terms and conditions of the loan
- Includes loan amount, interest rate, repayment terms and any other conditions
Why Work With The Mortgage Broker?
The Mortgage Broker is a team of award-winning mortgage experts with the tools and expertise you need to accelerate the process of getting a mortgage. Take a look at how we’ve helped other people just like you:
Really recommend the team. The portal for uploading documents is also very easy to use!
First-Time Buyers in Their 50s and 60s Secure Long-Term Mortgage
Two first-time buyers, aged 52 and 61, both employed at a school, with one client also receiving pension income. They wanted to buy due to issues at the rental property they lived in. With a need to take the borrowing over 22 years to keep monthly payments affordable while purchasing their dream home to plan for retirement.
| Commitment Type | Property Value | Balance | Loan to Value | Term | Payment Type | Interest Rate | Product Type | Payment |
| Mortgage | £308,000 | £277,000 | 89.94% | 22 | Repayment | 4.67% | 5 Year Fixed | £1,681.00 |
The main challenge was their ages, as the requested term would take the eldest applicant to age 83. Many lenders impose restrictions on maximum age at the end of the mortgage term, which can make securing a long-term mortgage difficult for older first-time buyers.
The application was structured using the youngest applicant’s current income combined with the eldest applicant’s mix of current income and pension income. This approach satisfied affordability requirements while accommodating the extended term. Additionally, life insurance was arranged for both applicants to protect the mortgage.
The mortgage was successfully completed on a 5-year fixed product with a repayment term of 22 years. The loan amount was £277,000 against a property value of £308,000, resulting in a Loan-to-Value (LTV) of approximately 90%. Monthly payments were set at £1,681.
This solution allowed the clients to move out of a problematic rental property and purchase their dream home, providing family stability and a clear retirement plan. The inclusion of life insurance added an extra layer of security for both applicants.
Advisor: Harrison AndrewsGet a Mortgage in Principle Today
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Frequently Asked Questions – Mortgage in Principle
Yes, even with missed payments or defaults, you can still get a Mortgage in Principle. We work with lenders who understand your situation and can provide support.
No, at The Mortgage Broker, we use a soft credit check, which does not appear on your credit file or affect your credit score.
Most Mortgage in Principles are valid for 30-90 days. If it expires, it’s easy to get it reissued during your property search.
Usually, a deposit of 15% or more is needed with bad credit. If your income is strong, this might be lower, but typically, the worse the credit, the higher the deposit required.
A Mortgage in Principle is an initial statement from a lender indicating how much they might be willing to lend based on basic financial information like your income. It is not a binding offer but shows estate agents and sellers that you are a serious buyer.