How quickly can you get a mortgage?
A simple guide to mortgage timescales from application to completion.
One of the most common questions we’re asked is:
How long does it actually take to get a mortgage?
If you’re buying in Washington, Sunderland or the wider North East, understanding the timeline helps you plan properly - and reduces stress during the process. While every case is different, here’s what you can typically expect.
Step 1: Agreement in Principle (1–48 Hours)
An Agreement in Principle (AIP) can often be arranged within:
Same day
Or within 24–48 hours
This depends on:
Your information being ready
The lender used
Whether additional checks are needed
Having an AIP before viewing properties puts you in a stronger position when making an offer.
Step 2: Offer Accepted → Full Mortgage Application submitted (1–5 Days)
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll submit a full mortgage application.
This involves:
Providing payslips or accounts
Bank statements
ID documents
Proof of deposit
If your documents are ready, this can be done super quickly, usually the same day! Delays often happen when paperwork is incomplete.
Step 3: Underwriting & Valuation (1–3 Weeks)
This is usually one of the longest parts, and the part which is mostly out of our control as advisors, although we do all we can to speed up the process.
The lender will:
Review your documents
Carry out full underwriting checks
Instruct a property valuation
In straightforward cases, this can take around 1–2 weeks. More complex situations (such as self-employed applicants or adverse credit cases) may take longer.
Property types common in parts of Sunderland - such as certain flats or non-standard builds - can also extend timelines if specialist reports are required.
Step 4: Mortgage Offer Issued
Once approved, you’ll receive a formal mortgage offer!! A super exciting part of the process.
This is the official confirmation of:
The amount being lent
The interest rate
The mortgage term
Any conditions
At this stage, your solicitor will continue progressing the legal work.
Step 5: Conveyancing, Exchange & Completion (6–12+ Weeks)
The legal process often takes longer than the mortgage itself, and is often the bit a lot of people find quite frustrating as there’s a lot of waiting, and things going on in the background.
This includes:
Searches
Contract checks
Raising enquiries
Chain coordination
Straightforward purchases with no chain can move quicker. However, if there’s a chain involved, timelines depend on multiple parties.
On average, the full process from offer to completion takes:
8–12 weeks
Though of course it can be faster, or slower, depending on circumstances.
What Can Slow Things Down?
If you’re wanting to estimate how long your mortgage application may take, some common delays to keep an eye out for are:
Missing paperwork
Changes in employment
Large unexplained bank transactions
Property survey issues
Long chains
Slow solicitor communication
Of course a lot of this is out of your control! But it gives you a good indicator of timelines.
How to Speed Up Your Mortgage Process
You can help keep things moving by:
Getting an AIP early
Having documents ready
Avoiding new credit applications
Responding quickly to requests
Using experienced professionals
Clear guidance from your advisor on what to and what not to do at the start often prevents delays later.
Final thoughts
Every mortgage timeline is different. A straightforward first-time buyer in Washington with no chain may complete much faster than someone in a long property chain in Sunderland.
At Fairway Mortgage Advice, we guide buyers through each stage - helping reduce delays and keep your purchase on track. If you’re planning to buy and want clarity on timescales, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to get started. 🫶🏻🏠
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We are a whole of market broker. Contact us today to discuss your options!
📳07442869863
📞0191 466 1304
📩info@fairwaymortgageadvice.co.uk
🖥️www.fairwaymortgageadvice.co.uk
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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with the repayments on your mortgage. Not all buy to let mortgages are regulated by the financial conduct authority. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.