Skip to content

Agreement in principle

Milton Rodrigues
Updated on 19 January, 2026
Agreement in principle
Fee-Free Mortgage Broker
We are a fee-free broker for most cases. Fees may apply on complex cases, including adverse credit, company buy-to-let, visa applicants and loans under £250,000, and will always be confirmed in writing before you commit.
MariannaFS Fee Free Mortgage Broker logo
TRUSTED MORTGAGE BROKER
 
Visit the MariannaFS website
Remortgage Advice
Message MariannaFS mortgage broker on WhatsApp
Chat on Whatsapp
Click to call MariannaFS mortgage broker
Connect on call

With the current market situation, house prices are  stable and Interest rates have started to ease, and so many first time buyers are actively looking to purchase their first home.  Before you start your dream property search, most estate agents wants to know if you are mortgage ready. One way of proving you are mortgage ready is have a Decision in principle or Agreement in principle to hand.

Estate agents will ask you for your mortgage in principle before submitting your offer.

 

What is a mortgage in principle?

A mortgage in principle is a preapproval version of your mortgage from the lender which tells you roughly how much you may be able to borrow.

 

Do I need mortgage in principle ?

It is not compulsory to have it, but it is beneficial.

After the viewing of a property, if you wish to submit an offer for that property your agent will want to know if you are serious buyer.  Can you get a mortgage of the amount needed to secure the sale?

AIP will put you in a good position of showing to the agent that you could secure the mortgage on the property.

As a result, if you make an offer on the property, it is likely to be accepted.

 

How do I get an AIP?

You can get your AIP from the lender. If you use a mortgage broker, they happily will arrange one for you.

If you go directly to a bank or building society you can get it directly from them as well.

Most lenders do a soft credit check on an MIP but it could still be a hard search on your credit file.
To clear any doubts, ask your mortgage broker about it.

MIP is based on the information provided and still subject to lender criteria and final underwriting.

Speak to us at MariannaFS  we can arrange your MIP without a hard credit check.

 

How long  mortgage in principle will be valid?

It varies from lender to lender but usually between 3 or 6 months. Most lenders that issue MIPs make them valid for 3 months.

Your mortgage broker should be able to guide you on which lender and rate are suitable for your circumstance.

It is a good idea to check your credit report if your current DIP is expired and you need another one.

 

Is a mortgage in principle reliable?

Considering the lack of guarantee, it is common for people to doubt whether a mortgage in principle is reliable.

While it does not provide you with any certainty, an MIP definitely gives you a sense of direction for getting the mortgage you are looking for.

With a mortgage in principle at your disposal, you can prove how serious you are about making a purchase to estate agents you approach while searching for the right property.

 

MariannaFS are able to arrange your DIP for you.

Speak to our friendly advisors for your mortgage needs by submitting form.

 

What Our Clients Say

More Guides

First-time Buyers Tips
Activity Among First-time Buyers Is Increasing As Annual Price Increase Slows. Here are some tips for first time buyer. When it comes to purchasing properties, first-time buyers are often sensitive to property prices and the mortgage rate prevalent in the market. Property prices in the UK increase every year, adding to the value of houses and flats being sold. First-time buyers need to be conscious of this increase as it influences their overall cost of purchasing their first
First time buyer guide
Buying your first house is one of the most important purchases of your life and can be equally exciting and daunting. Our experienced first-time buyer mortgage advisor at MariannaFS can guide you through the process. Remember getting a mortgage secure is main part of the buying process. You should always look at the mortgage options and try to understand how the whole process works. So here is all you need to know about your first mortgage.
Contractor Mortgage
When it comes to mortgages, people have always taken into consideration borrowers who are salaried employees. However, as more and more professionals are becoming contractors, this notion is changing. If you are a contractor and want to buy a property, you can do so by taking a contractor mortgage. Work with your mortgage broker and look for a lender who provides contractor mortgages at deals that are suitable for your circumstances. What is a contractor mortgage? As the name
Mortgages For Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals can own properties in the UK as visa does not stop them. However, the process may get challenging when obtaining mortgage to purchase the property
Barclays Mortgage Porting
Mortgage porting can be very easy and straight forward process if done right first time with the help of an independent mortgage broker.
Remortgage guide
Your monthly mortgage repayments can be a substantial amount of your monthly income, so you should check for better deals from other lenders that will allow you to make lower repayments on better terms. Our expert mortgage brokers will find you the best remortgage deals for your special needs and seamlessly move you to your new mortgage deal.
How Much Mortgage Can I Afford
Wondering how much mortgage you can afford in the UK? Discover income multiples, affordability rules, and 2026 lender criteria, plus expert advice.
2-Year vs 5-Year Fixed Mortgage
Choosing between a 2-year or 5-year fixed mortgage? Compare rates, flexibility, and total cost plus expert advice from Marianna FS.
How To Get The Best Remortgage Rates
Learn how to get the best remortgage rate in the UK. Compare total cost, LTV bands, product fees and ERCs with whole-of-market advice from Marianna FS.

As a mortgage is secured against your home, it may be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments