Mortgage Guide
Get a Mortgage in Principle (AIP) — without the guesswork
A Mortgage in Principle (also called an Agreement in Principle or Decision in Principle) helps you understand
what’s realistic before you start booking viewings.
We’ll sense-check your numbers, place you with the most suitable lender, and where possible we’ll use a soft search
to help protect your credit score.
Quick takeaways
An AIP helps you set a realistic budget before viewings.
Estate agents often expect one before they’ll take you seriously.
Where possible, we’ll use a soft search to protect your credit score.
An AIP is not the finish line — it’s the starting line.
If you tell us your income type, rough deposit and any monthly commitments, we’ll map out the most realistic next step.
What is a Mortgage in Principle?
AIP / DIP explainedA Mortgage in Principle (AIP) is a lender’s indication of what they might be willing to lend you, based on the information you provide. It’s designed to help you house-hunt with a budget that makes sense.
Usually around 60–90 days (it varies by lender). If it expires, it can normally be refreshed.
It’s not a mortgage offer and it doesn’t guarantee acceptance — it’s an early-stage lender indication.
Why you need a Mortgage in Principle
The practical benefitsMany agents won’t prioritise viewings without an AIP — it shows you’re ready to proceed.
It stops the “heart says yes, lender says no” situation — and saves a lot of stress.
Credit blips, income quirks, deposit source questions — better to know now than later.
When you find “the one”, you’re already a step ahead.
Risk of going direct to the wrong lender
Going direct isn’t “wrong” — but it can be misleading. Different lenders assess income and affordability differently, and multiple applications can create unnecessary credit footprints.
Some lenders are stricter on overtime, bonuses, self-employed income, or existing commitments.
If you apply repeatedly, you can create avoidable footprints. We aim to use soft search where possible.
When you’re trying to book viewings or agree an offer, delays can cost you the property.
How we do it differently
Placement firstBased on your income type, deposit, credit profile and what you’re trying to do.
We aim to avoid unnecessary credit footprints and keep the process tidy.
You’ll know exactly what’s needed and what happens next — no mystery, no pressure.
Book a quick intro call and we’ll get your Mortgage in Principle started.
What we’ll need (so the AIP is accurate)
Quick checklistThis isn’t a formal document upload list — it’s the information that helps us place you properly and avoid unnecessary credit checks.
Step 1: Proof of ID & address
Typically a passport or driving licence and a recent utility bill or bank statement. This confirms who you are and keeps everything above board.
Step 2: Income details
We’ll look at how you’re paid (employed, self-employed, director, contractor) and any other income. This helps us match you to lenders who accept your income type.
Step 3: Regular outgoings
Loans, credit cards, childcare, car finance and other monthly commitments. This is what lenders use to calculate what’s realistically affordable.
Step 4: Deposit & source of funds
How much you’ve got and where it’s coming from (savings, gift, sale of property). This sets your loan-to-value and the products you can access.
Step 5: Credit background
An honest overview helps us place you with the right lender first time — and where possible we’ll use a soft search to protect your credit score.
You’re ready for your Mortgage in Principle
With these details, we can approach the right lender for your circumstances — often using a soft search — saving time and avoiding unnecessary credit checks.
Book your free Intro CallMortgage in Principle FAQs
It depends on the lender and the route used. Many lenders can provide an AIP using a soft search, which doesn’t leave the same footprint as a full application. We’ll talk you through the options first.
Often, yes — depending on what happened and when. The key is choosing a lender whose criteria matches your situation, rather than firing off applications and hoping for the best.
Commonly 60–90 days, depending on the lender. If your AIP expires, it can usually be refreshed.
You can view without one, but many agents prefer buyers to have an AIP early — especially in competitive areas. It also helps you avoid wasting time viewing properties outside your realistic budget.
Need a hand?
Tell us what you’re working with (income type, rough deposit, monthly commitments) and we’ll map out the most realistic route.
THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME.
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
IMPORTANT: With investments, your capital is at risk. Pensions and investments can go down in value as well as up, so you could get back less than you invest.
Need Financial Planning Ltd is registered in England and Wales no. 10901658. Registered office, 123 High Street, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1NQ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Need Financial Planning Ltd is entered on the Financial Services Register https://register.fca.org.uk/ under reference 977136. If you wish to register a complaint, please write to [email protected] or telephone 01843 228800. A summary of our internal complaints handling procedures for the reasonable and prompt handling of complaints is available on request and if you cannot settle your complaint with us, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or by contacting them on 0800 0234 567.
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