If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably come across the term ‘Agreement in Principle’ (or AIP for short). And if you’re like most buyers, you might be wondering:
How quickly can I get one?
Do I need it before I start house hunting?
What does it actually mean?
At HLC Mortgages, we know that speed matters—especially when your dream home hits the market. That’s why we can usually get you an Agreement in Principle in just minutes, giving you peace of mind and a head start on your home-buying journey.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting an AIP: how fast it can be done, why it matters, and how it fits into the bigger mortgage picture.
What is an Agreement in Principle?
Let’s keep it simple.
An Agreement in Principle (also known as a Mortgage in Principle or Decision in Principle) is a quick check from a mortgage lender to see how much they might be willing to lend you, based on some basic details about your income, spending, and credit history.
It’s not a full mortgage offer, but it shows estate agents and sellers that you’re serious and financially ready to move forward.
How long does it take to get an Agreement in Principle?
Here’s the good news:
👉 At HLC Mortgages, we can usually get your AIP sorted in just minutes.
Because we work with a wide panel of lenders and know exactly what information they need, we can fast-track the process for you. In many cases, we can send your AIP over the same day you get in touch—even while we’re still on the phone with you.
The whole process typically takes:
- 10 to 20 minutes when done with a broker like us
- Up to 24 hours with some lenders directly (depending on systems, checks, and documentation)
So if you’re ready to go, you could have your mortgage in principle today.
What information do I need to provide?
To get your AIP quickly, you’ll need to share some basic information with us:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your current address and address history (usually past 3 years)
- Your employment details and income
- Any regular outgoings (like loans or credit cards)
- A rough idea of how much you want to borrow
- Your deposit amount
We’ll also do a soft credit check, which won’t affect your credit score and won’t be visible to other lenders.
Why is an Agreement in Principle important?
If you’re just browsing Rightmove or Zoopla for fun, you might not need an AIP yet. But if you’re seriously looking to buy, especially in a fast-moving market, having an AIP in your hand gives you a big advantage.
Here’s why:
✅ You’ll know your budget – No guessing or falling in love with homes out of reach
✅ Estate agents will take you seriously – Some won’t even book viewings without an AIP
✅ You can move quickly when you find ‘the one’ – Sellers prefer buyers who are ready to go
✅ It highlights any issues early – So you can fix them before applying for a full mortgage
How long does an AIP last?
Most Agreements in Principle are valid for around 30 to 90 days, depending on the lender. If yours expires before you find a property, don’t worry—it’s easy to renew or update it with your broker.
At HLC Mortgages, we keep everything on file, so refreshing your AIP when needed is quick and stress-free.
Is an AIP guaranteed mortgage approval?
Not quite—but it’s a great start.
Your Agreement in Principle is based on the information you provide. When you apply for a full mortgage later, the lender will do a more detailed review, including checking payslips, bank statements, and a full credit history.
So while an AIP isn’t a 100% guarantee, if everything matches up and your circumstances don’t change, you’re in a strong position.
Can I get more than one AIP?
Yes, and in some cases, it might make sense.
If you’re unsure which lender is right for you—or want to compare different mortgage products—your broker can run multiple AIPs (responsibly) to see what your options look like.
Just keep in mind:
- Too many credit checks in a short time can affect your score (we use soft checks to avoid this)
- It’s best to work with a broker to manage the process and avoid confusion
Why use a broker to get your Agreement in Principle?
Trying to figure out the mortgage world on your own can be a headache. That’s where we come in.
At HLC Mortgages, we:
- Can get your AIP sorted in minutes
- Know which lenders are best for your situation
- Help you avoid delays and mistakes
- Offer whole-of-market advice with no pressure
We’re here to make the process quick, clear, and stress-free, so you can focus on finding your ideal home.
Final thoughts
If you’re asking, “How quickly can I get an Agreement in Principle?”, the answer could be:
Today. In under 20 minutes.
Getting an AIP is a smart first step on your journey to homeownership. It gives you confidence, clarity, and credibility—whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, or moving house.
Ready to get started? We’re here to help.
Contact Us!
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