One of the most common questions from buyers is: how long will it take to get my mortgage approved?
Typical Timeframes
- Pre-approval: 2–5 working days (sometimes longer during busy periods)
- Full approval: 3–10 working days after you’ve signed a sale and purchase agreement
These timeframes can vary depending on the lender and how prepared you are.
What Affects Approval Time?
1. Completeness of Your Application
Missing documents can slow things down significantly.
2. Complexity of Your Situation
Self-employed applicants or those with multiple income streams may take longer.
3. Bank Workloads
At busy times, banks can take longer to process applications.
4. Property Type
Certain properties (e.g. apartments or new builds) may require additional checks.
How to Speed Things Up
- Have all documents ready
- Avoid large financial changes during the process
- Work with a mortgage adviser
Why Timing Matters
Delays can impact your ability to meet finance conditions in a contract, so it’s important to allow enough time.
The Bottom Line
While approvals can be relatively quick, being organised and proactive makes a big difference.
Getting guidance early can help streamline the process and reduce stress when timing matters most.