Start your Agreement in Principle
Know where you stand before you make an offer
Show sellers you’re a serious buyer who knows their budget. Start with a few simple details, and we’ll help you secure your Agreement in Principle.
No impact on
your credit score
Stronger position
with estate agents
An Agreement in Principle shows sellers you’re serious and financially prepared, helping you make offers with confidence.
No commitment
to proceed
See what a lender may say about you in minutes
An Agreement in Principle, sometimes called a Decision in Principle or Mortgage in Principle, is an early indication of how much a mortgage lender may be willing to lend you.
We review your details against lender criteria using a soft credit check. This allows you to understand your potential borrowing position without formally applying.
What that means:
- No impact on your credit score
- No visible footprint to other lenders
- No commitment to proceed
It’s a simple, low-pressure way to understand where you stand before you start viewing or making offers.
Why get an Agreement in Principle before you start viewing properties?
Get affordability clarity before emotion takes over.
It helps you move forward with confidence, not guesswork:
- You’ll understand your realistic budget
- Estate agents can see that you’re financially prepared
- Sellers are more likely to take your offer seriously
- You avoid viewing homes outside your range
In many cases, agents will ask to see an Agreement in Principle before accepting an offer. Having one ready puts you in a stronger, calmer position when the right property comes along.
How it works
Starting the Agreement in Principle process is simple and takes just a few minutes.
Share your income, deposit, and financial commitments so we can clearly understand your position.
We review your profile against suitable lenders using a soft credit check, so your credit score isn’t affected.
You’ll see how much you may be able to borrow and what your next step might look like.
If anything needs clarification, our team will step in to guide you.
What you’ll need
To complete your Agreement in Principle, we’ll ask for a few key details so we can assess your position accurately:
- The amount you’d like to borrow
- Details of any existing mortgages
- Your address history for the past 3 years
- Your basic income
- Bonuses, commission, dividends, or other additional income
- Benefits or maintenance received
- Credit commitments such as loans or credit card balances
- Any financial commitments you expect to take on soon
If you’re applying jointly, we’ll need similar information from the other applicant.
The more accurate your details, the more reliable your result will be.
Check if you’re eligible
To apply for an Agreement in Principle, you’ll usually need the following:
- A regular income that you expect to continue
- At least 3 months in your current employed role, if you’re employed
- To be up to date with existing credit commitments
- To be aged 18 or over
- At least 2 years of UK address history
- To be buying or remortgaging a residential property in the UK
- Our online Agreement in Principle currently supports standard residential repayment mortgages
If your situation is more complex, for example, self-employment, variable income, or specialist lending, speak to Team Muttuo, and we’ll guide you to the right route.
What happens after you get your Agreement in Principle?
The first step in your mortgage journey:
- You can start viewing and making offers with confidence
- We’ll review your result and confirm suitable lender options
- When you’re ready, we’ll move you forward to a full mortgage application
An Agreement in Principle isn’t a guaranteed mortgage offer. The lender will still need to review your documents, carry out a full credit assessment, and assess the property before issuing a formal offer.
Most Agreements in Principle are valid for 60 to 90 days, depending on the lender. If anything changes in the meantime, we can reassess your position quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Does an Agreement in Principle guarantee a mortgage?
No. An Agreement in Principle is an early indication based on the information you provide and a soft credit check. A full mortgage application involves a detailed review of your documents, a full credit assessment, and a property valuation.
Will getting an Agreement in Principle affect my credit score?
Can I get an Agreement in Principle before finding a property?
Yes, and it’s often recommended. Getting an Agreement in Principle first helps you understand your budget before you start viewing or making offers.
Can I change the amount later?
What if I have complex income?
If you’re self-employed, have multiple income sources, or receive variable earnings such as bonuses or dividends, your Agreement in Principle may require a little more detail. We’ll guide you through it and assess the most suitable lender options.
How long does it take to get an Agreement in Principle?
Most Agreements in Principle take around 10 minutes to complete online. If your income or circumstances are more complex, it may take a little longer, but we’ll guide you through it.
How long is an Agreement in Principle valid for?
Most Agreements in Principle are valid for 60 to 90 days, depending on the lender. If your Agreement in Principle expires or your circumstances change, we can reassess and update it.
How to apply
Speak to Team Muttuo
Call 0333 012 4015 to review your borrowing position, property plans, and lender criteria before starting your Agreement in Principle. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
If your income is complex or your situation is slightly outside the norm, speaking to us first can help you approach the right lender from the outset.
Message Team Muttuo
Submit your details, and we’ll respond within four working hours.
If you’re unsure how much to borrow, whether your income will be accepted, or simply want reassurance before applying, we’re here to guide you.
Start your Agreement in Principle online
Ready to see where you stand?
Begin your Agreement in Principle online. It takes around 10 minutes, uses a soft credit check, and gives you clarity before you start offering.