A Mortgage Agreement in Principle (also known as a Decision in Principle) is a document from a mortgage lender that gives you an idea of how much you may be able to borrow. It’s based on a soft credit check and a brief overview of your income, outgoings and any existing financial commitments.


Although it’s not a formal mortgage offer, it’s the first step in the process and can be a powerful tool when you’re viewing properties. Many estate agents will ask for one before putting an offer forward to a seller. It shows that you’ve already had your finances reviewed and a lender has agreed, in principle, that you’re eligible for a mortgage of a certain size.

For first time buyers in York, this is often the moment things start to feel real. It confirms that you’re in a position to start seriously viewing homes and signals to sellers that you’re a committed buyer. When working with a mortgage broker in York like ourselves, we’ll handle this part early on, so you’re prepared before you begin booking viewings.

Why First Time Buyers in York Should Get One

Getting a mortgage agreement in principle in York gives you clarity, confidence, and a bit of extra buying power.

Estate agents and sellers often prefer buyers who already have an AIP in place. It shows you’ve spoken to a mortgage advisor and that a lender has already reviewed your financials. In some cases, a seller won’t even accept an offer unless an AIP can be shown.

But it also helps you as a buyer. By knowing what you could borrow, you’ll avoid falling for a property that’s outside your price range. You’ll also feel more confident when making an offer, knowing that the financial side has already been looked at.

How Do You Get an AIP?

This is one of the quickest and easiest parts of the mortgage process. As part of our first time buyer mortgage advice in York, we can usually arrange your Agreement in Principle the same day you speak to us.

We’ll ask you a few straightforward questions about your income, employment, credit commitments and overall financial picture. From there, we’ll match you with a suitable lender and provide your Agreement in Principle within 24 hours of your free appointment with us.

Everything can be done over the phone or a Teams call online, and we’ll walk you through each stage so it’s completely stress-free.

How Long Is an AIP Valid For?

Most Agreements in Principle remain valid for around 30 to 90 days, depending on which lender issues it. That gives you time to view properties and put in offers without needing to reapply straight away.

If yours runs out before you find the right place, there’s no need to worry. We can renew it quickly and easily as long as your circumstances haven’t changed significantly. Many buyers go through more than one AIP while house hunting, especially if they’re looking in a competitive market like York.

It’s good practice to keep your AIP active while you’re searching. That way, if the right property comes up, you’re ready to act straight away.

Will It Affect My Credit Score?

This is a common concern, especially for first time buyers who want to avoid any unnecessary impact on their credit file. The answer is that most AIPs involve a soft credit check only. That means the lender can see your credit history, but it doesn’t leave a mark and won’t affect your score.

We’ll always make sure you know if a lender requires a hard check instead, although this is increasingly rare during the AIP stage. Protecting your credit profile is just one of the reasons it helps to have a mortgage advisor working with you from the start.

Get Started With an AIP Today

Whether you’re just starting to browse or already have a few properties in mind, getting your Agreement in Principle sorted early gives you more control. It shows sellers that you’re ready to go, helps you understand your true price range, and puts you in a stronger position when making an offer.

As your mortgage broker in York, we’ll make sure everything is in place before you start booking viewings. If you’re looking for quick, friendly support and a clear way forward, speak to us today and we’ll take care of the rest.

Date Last Edited: May 8, 2025