Last reviewed: May 2026
A mortgage in principle — also called an agreement in principle or decision in principle — confirms to estate agents and sellers that you can fund the purchase. We arrange yours using a whole-of-market lender review, with soft search options available to protect your credit score.
Initial discussion free. A broker fee of £299 is payable only if you proceed following a formal mortgage offer.
A mortgage in principle is a written indication from a lender of how much they would lend you, based on an initial review of your finances. It is not legally binding but tells estate agents you are a credible buyer. Most decisions are returned same day. Soft credit search options leave no footprint on your credit file.
A mortgage in principle — also known as an agreement in principle (AIP), decision in principle (DIP) or mortgage promise — is a conditional indication from a lender stating how much they would be willing to lend, based on an initial assessment of your income, outgoings and credit profile.
It is not a formal mortgage offer and is not legally binding on either side. What it does is confirm to estate agents and sellers that you have already had your finances reviewed and are a credible buyer who can fund the purchase. In competitive markets, buyers without a mortgage in principle are frequently deprioritised when multiple offers arrive on the same property.
All three terms refer to the same document. Different lenders use different names. "Mortgage in principle" and "agreement in principle" are the most commonly used. "Decision in principle" is used by some high street lenders. For stamp duty and legal purposes they all carry the same weight — none is binding, all confirm an initial lending indication.
The maximum amount a specific lender would consider lending you, based on your income, outgoings and credit profile at the time of application. Your actual mortgage offer may differ following full underwriting.
A soft credit search returns the same lending decision but leaves no footprint on your credit file. We use soft search lenders where possible so your credit score is not affected at the mortgage in principle stage.
Most mortgage in principle decisions are valid for 60 to 90 days. If it expires before you find a property, it can usually be renewed. We manage this process and notify you when a renewal is approaching.
Most mortgage in principle decisions are returned on the same day, and many within minutes. We review your circumstances, identify the right lender, and submit the application — you receive a certificate you can present to estate agents immediately.
Going direct to one lender gives you one decision. As a whole-of-market mortgage broker, we review your circumstances and identify the most appropriate lender before any application is submitted, improving accuracy and avoiding unnecessary searches.
The mortgage in principle is the first step. Once you have an offer accepted, we handle the full mortgage application — income verification, lender submission, offer monitoring and completion coordination. A broker fee of £299 applies at formal offer stage.
The difference between going direct to a lender and using a whole-of-market broker is not just about access — it is about accuracy and credit protection.
Before identifying a lender and submitting your mortgage in principle application, we review the following to ensure the most accurate and appropriate outcome.
The process is straightforward and in most cases completed same day. You do not need to have a specific property in mind.
We discuss your circumstances — income, deposit, employment type, credit history and what you are looking to buy. This takes around 20 minutes and incurs no charge. It can be done by phone, video call or using the form below.
Based on your circumstances, we identify the most appropriate lender from across the market — considering income criteria, credit policy, LTV requirements and soft search availability. As a whole-of-market mortgage broker, we consider mortgages from across the market, subject to lender criteria and product availability.
We submit your mortgage in principle application to the identified lender using a soft credit search where available. Most decisions are returned the same day, many within minutes.
Once the decision is returned, we provide you with a mortgage in principle certificate you can present to estate agents when making offers. The certificate confirms the lender's initial indication of the maximum borrowing available.
When your offer is accepted, we progress to a full mortgage application. This involves full income verification, a hard credit search and property valuation. Our broker fee of £299 is payable if you choose to proceed following a formal mortgage offer — it is non-refundable once charged.
Call 01422 354011 or use the form below. Most decisions returned same day.
Get Your Mortgage in PrincipleCall 01422 354011 or use the form below. We review your circumstances, identify the most appropriate lender from across the market, and submit your application. Most decisions returned same day.
The mortgage in principle stage incurs no charge. A broker fee of £299 is payable if you choose to proceed following a formal mortgage offer. This fee is non-refundable once charged. We may also receive commission from the lender. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Get Your Mortgage in PrincipleFinancial promotion: This page is a financial promotion. Woodhall Mortgages is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 762513). As a whole-of-market mortgage broker, we consider mortgages from across the market, subject to lender criteria and product availability. Not all lenders or products may be included.
Broker fee: The mortgage in principle stage incurs no charge. A broker fee of £299 is payable if you choose to proceed following a formal mortgage offer. This fee is non-refundable once charged. We may also receive commission from the lender.
Credit searches: We use soft credit searches where available at the mortgage in principle stage. A full hard credit search is required as part of a formal mortgage application.
Risk warning: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Buying a home or reviewing your mortgage can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. A quick conversation can give you clarity on your options, your budget, and the next realistic steps. There is no obligation and no pressure, just straightforward guidance tailored to you. Complete the short form below and we will be in touch to help you move forward with confidence.
