Get a Mortgage in Principle
When you’re house-hunting, a Mortgage in Principle (also called an Agreement in Principle or Decision in Principle) is your first step. It shows estate agents and sellers you’re a serious buyer, and helps you understand what you could borrow.
At Need Financial Planning, we make sure you approach the right lender from the start, avoiding unnecessary credit checks and wasted time.
What We'll Ask For (and Why)
Before we approach lenders on your behalf, we’ll need a few key details from you.
This is to ensure we match you with the right lender first time, without unnecessary credit checks.
This is what we'll need:
Step 1: Proof of ID & address
We’ll ask for a passport or driving licence and recent utility bill/bank statement. This confirms who you are and keeps everything above board.
Step 2: Income details
We’ll want to know your salary (payslips if employed, accounts/tax returns if self-employed) and any other income (benefits, child maintainance, rental income etc.). This helps us match you to lenders who’ll accept your income type(s).
Step 3: Regular outgoings
Things like loans, credit cards, childcare or car finance. Knowing these upfront means we can calculate what lenders will realistically see as affordable.
Step 4: Deposit & source of funds
We’ll ask how much deposit you have, and where it’s coming from (savings, gift, sale of property). This tells us your loan-to-value (LTV) and which products you can access.
Step 5: Credit background
An honest overview helps us place you with the right lender, whether your credit is spotless or a little bumpy.
You’re ready for your Mortgage in Principle
With these details, we’ll approach the right lender for your circumstances, saving you time and protecting your credit score. Let's have a chat and get the mortgage ball rolling today!
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What is a 'Mortgage in Principle'?
It’s a certificate from a mortgage lender showing what they could lend you.
It’s based on a snapshot of your income, outgoings, and credit history.
It usually lasts 60–90 days.
A Mortgage in Principle is not a guarantee of a full mortgage offer.
Why You Need a Mortgage in Principle
1. Prove to Estate Agents you're serious about buying
Many Estate Agents won't accept any offers without a Mortgage in Principle.
2. Understand your budget
A Mortgage in Principle will give you a realistic idea of what you can afford so you can tailor your property search accordingly.
3. Spot potential issues early
The Mortgage in Principle process can flag potential issues on your credit file that needs fixing. Addressing these early can make a huge difference to your mortgage and property journey.
Risks of going direct to the wrong lender
Not all Mortgage in Principles are equal. Here's why:
Some lenders use a hard credit check, which leaves a footprint. Too many of these can damage your credit score.
Lenders all have different criteria — income, employment type, debts, credit history. Apply to the wrong one, and you might get rejected for reasons that could’ve been avoided.
Multiple rejections can make it harder to get approved later.
How we do it differently
At Need Financial Planning, our approach is:
Get to know you and your situation – income, deposit, credit history, long-term goals.
Match you to the right lender – saving you time and protecting your credit score.
Secure your Mortgage in Principle – quickly and with confidence.
Mortgage in Principle FAQs
Is a Mortgage in Principle guaranteed?
No, it’s not. It’s based on initial checks. The full application digs deeper into your payslips, bank statements, and credit file.
Does getting a Mortgage in Principle affect my credit score?
Some lenders use a soft check (no impact), others a hard check (visible on your file). We guide you to the right option.
How long does a Mortgage in Principle last?
Usually 60–90 days. It can often be extended if your circumstances haven't change.
Can I get a Mortgage in Principle with bad credit?
Yes, but it’s even more important to approach the right lender to avoid knockbacks.
Get Started Today
A Mortgage in Principle is your first step to homeownership — but done right, it sets you up for success.
Avoid unnecessary credit checks
Match with the right lender from day one
Get your budget with confidence
Prefer to email first? No problem!
Submit your enquiry here →
Need a Hand?
A Mortgage in Principle is your first step to homeownership — but done right, it sets you up for success.
Avoid unnecessary credit checks
Match with the right lender from day one
Get your budget with confidence
Ready to get started?
Prefer to email first? No problem!
Submit your enquiry here →
What our clients say about us ✪✪✪✪✪
We’re proud to help homeowners, buyers, and investors across Broadstairs, Kent and beyond with expert mortgage and financial advice. See what our happy clients have to say!
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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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