An agreement in principle is a document from a mortgage lender confirming how much they might be willing to lend you, based on some basic financial checks.
It is not a mortgage offer, and it doesn’t guarantee approval, but it gives a strong indication of what a lender may offer based on your income, credit history and deposit.
This can help you focus your property search within a suitable price range and show that you’re serious about moving forward.
Do I Need One to View or Offer on a Property?
In many cases, yes.
Estate agents in Birmingham will often ask for proof of an agreement in principle before allowing viewings or accepting an offer.
This helps them check that buyers are financially prepared and reduces the chances of sales falling through later.
Having your AIP ready early on means you can act quickly when you find a property you like, and helps position you as a more credible buyer in a competitive market.
Does an Agreement in Principle Affect My Credit Score?
Most lenders use a soft credit check when issuing an agreement in principle.
This means it won’t affect your credit score or be visible to other lenders.
That said, some lenders do still use a hard credit search, which leaves a mark on your file.
Before applying, we’ll always tell you which type of check the lender uses and how it might impact your credit history.
If you’re unsure, we’ll match you with lenders who use soft checks so you can get started without any unnecessary marks on your file.
How Long Does It Take to Get One?
We can usually arrange an agreement in principle within 24 hours of your first appointment.
In some cases, we may be able to do it even sooner.
Once we have a full picture of your income, deposit, and credit status, we’ll match you with a suitable lender and request the AIP on your behalf.
It’s quick, straightforward, and gives you the confidence to start viewing homes.
How Long Does an AIP Last?
Most agreements in principle are valid for between 30 and 90 days, depending on the lender.
If yours expires before you’ve found a home, it’s usually simple to renew it as long as your financial circumstances haven’t changed.
If your income, debt, or deposit changes significantly, we’ll reassess your application and help you update your AIP so it reflects your current position.
Do I Need All My Documents Ready Before Getting One?
Not always. Many lenders will issue an agreement in principle based on the information you provide without needing documents at this stage.
However, the details must be accurate. If anything is entered incorrectly or estimated too loosely, it can cause delays when the full application is submitted later.
We’ll help you get it right from the beginning, and where needed, we’ll request documents to make sure the lender’s decision is based on reliable figures.
Can I Get an AIP With Bad Credit?
Yes, many people with past credit issues are still able to get an agreement in principle.
Your options may be more limited, and the lender may ask for more information before proceeding, but it’s often still possible.
We’ll look at your credit history and recommend the most suitable lenders for your circumstances, based on how recently the issues occurred and whether they’ve been resolved.
Can I Get an Agreement in Principle Before Finding a Property?
Yes, and we recommend it. Getting your AIP in place before you start viewing puts you in a stronger position when the right property comes up.
It also helps avoid disappointment by confirming what you can realistically afford, based on lender criteria and current market conditions in Birmingham.
What Happens After I Get My Agreement in Principle?
Once you have your AIP, you can start viewing properties and making offers.
When your offer is accepted, we’ll convert your AIP into a full mortgage application and submit it to the lender with all required documents.
Because we already have your details and financial information, this process can move quickly, giving you a head start in getting your mortgage offer issued.
Date Last Edited: December 24, 2025
