Getting a Mortgage Decision in Principle

Before applying for a mortgage, you may need a Decision in Principle (DIP). It’s sometimes referred to as an Agreement in Principle (AIP) or mortgage in principle. 

A DIP gives an indication of how much you may be able to borrow from us. Many sellers or estate agents ask to see your DIP to show you could get a mortgage. It is for illustrative purposes only and doesn't provide all the information you need to choose a mortgage.

A Decision in Principle (DIP) is not specifically related to a mortgage product within our range. We reserve the right to withdraw our products at any time without notice. Although you may be accepted by our Affordability Calculator and Decision in Principle, we might not have a product available to suit you.

Step one: Mortgage affordability calculator

It only takes 5 minutes

Our calculator offers you a quick but detailed check of what you might be able to borrow, based on your income and outgoings.

We’ll do a soft credit check

We will carry out a 'soft' credit check. This check won't affect your credit score, now or in the future. 

You’ll have a clearer picture

We will provide you with a clear summary of how much you may be able borrow from us.

What you'll need to provide

Your income:

  • Salary
  • Bonuses
  • Overtime
  • Benefits
  • If you’re self-employed - last two years of accounts or Accountant's Certificate and net profit
  • For limited companies - amount of dividends and remuneration
  • If you’re a contractor please quote your annual salary as your daily rate x 5 x 48 weeks as employed income, rather than self-employed income.

Your outgoings

  • Loans
  • Credit cards
  • Existing mortgage payments
  • Spending

You could lose your home if you don’t keep up your mortgage repayments.

Affordability Calculator

Work out how much you might be able to afford to pay back on your mortgage based on your income and outgoings

Step two: Request your Decision in Principle (DIP)

After you get your affordability calculator results, you can request a DIP. You can do this within 30 days of completing your calculation.

If you don’t complete steps one and two at the same time, at the end of your affordability calculation we’ll email you details to allow you to complete your DIP within 30 days. Please make sure you provide your email address and mobile number so you can start where you left off.

Step three: Apply for a mortgage

If your DIP is accepted, you’ll have 30 days to submit a full mortgage application, without having to repeat the DIP.

Important Information

We will use the information provided by you to undertake an automated assessment of your ability to afford the mortgage using our Affordability Calculator. Where we assess it is not affordable, your application may be rejected without being manually assessed by the Society. If you would like to challenge the automated decision, you can ask to have your application reviewed by an underwriter. 

If the information you provide in the Affordability Calculator indicates we might be able to lend to you, we will carry out a soft credit check. This means our check won't affect your credit score. You can find more information on our Credit Scoring Guide [PDF].

Affordability FAQs 

Need help?

Chat to us via web chat or call us on 0345 607 9825.