young businesswoman discussing details with clients via video call
We help to take the stress out of applying for a mortgage.

2. DECISION IN PRINCIPLE

Once you’ve spoken to your mortgage adviser and agreed to proceed they will submit your details to obtain a Decision in Principle which will show you how much you could borrow. We calculate this using the following information:

  • Your income and outgoings
  • Your deposit amount
  • The results of an initial credit search
  • The monthly mortgage repayments
  • The value of the property you’re looking to buy or remortgage

The amount shown in the DIP is an initial advisory figure based on the information you have provided and at this stage it’s not yet a commitment from Kensington to lend to you. However, if you decide to proceed with us we’ll use the information you’ve already provided for your formal mortgage application.

If you’re looking to buy a new home, once you have your DIP you’re free to start booking appointments and viewing properties!

The amount shown in the DIP is an initial advisory figure based on the information you have provided.
At this point, we’ll conduct a full credit history check and assess your ability to afford the monthly repayments on the mortgage you’re applying for.

4. ASSESSMENT, VALUATION AND OFFER

As soon as we’ve received your full application, we’ll swing into action.

We'll start by instructing our Surveyors to book an appointment to value the property you want to buy or remortgage.

Then, we will review your application and supporting documentation. If we need any further information to support your application or we need to clarify any points, we’ll let your mortgage adviser know so they can work with you to supply the required information.

After this, we’ll keep updating your mortgage adviser on the progress of your case. We’ll confirm when the valuation is booked for and then advise what the property has been valued at. We’ll also confirm if the supporting documentation you’ve been asked to supply is sufficient or we need to see anything else. Finally, if we have everything we need to approve your application, we’ll send your mortgage adviser a formal mortgage offer.

Man walking through a busy open plan office
As soon as we’ve received your full application, we’ll swing into action.

5. ONCE YOU'VE RECEIVED YOUR MORTGAGE OFFER

Once you’ve received your mortgage offer we’ll work with your solicitor who will let us know your moving date… and we’ll transfer the cash on your chosen completion date.

If we can’t say yes... sometimes we may have to decline a mortgage application. If that happens we’ll always talk to your mortgage adviser and where we can, give a full explanation as to the reasons why. And if you could apply again at a later date, we’ll let them know that too.

Cardboard boxes and cleaning things for moving into a new home
If we have to decline a mortgage application, we’ll always talk to your mortgage adviser and where we can, give a full explanation as to the reasons why.

USEFUL INFORMATION

  • Before you apply
    We’ve put together a helpful list of some of the key things you and your adviser will need to consider before they apply for a Kensington mortgage.
    GET MORTGAGE READY
  • Why choose Kensington
    As a specialist mortgage lender, we know that no two people or their circumstances are the same. That's why we've always celebrated differences.
    THE KENSINGTON DIFFERENCE
  • Getting advice and help
    How to get the advice and help you need to find the mortgage that may be suitable for your circumstances.
    GETTING MORTGAGE ADVICE

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    • What's a decision in principle?

      A decision in principle is an indication of how much we may be willing to lend, based on the information your mortgage adviser has provided. It is also known as an agreement in principle or mortgage in principle.

    • How long is a decision in principle valid for?

      A decision in principle is usually valid for 40 days.

    • How long will the mortgage application process take?

      Several factors can affect how long your mortgage application may take to be approved, including:

      • How long you take to do your side of things, such as sending your mortgage adviser the documents needed for your application
      • How long your mortgage adviser takes to do their side of things, such as submitting the application and uploading documents
      • How complex your situation is

      Generally, we aim to process applications and issue you with a formal offer within 25 working days. But, if your application is complex, it may take longer.

    • What happens if my application gets declined?

      Sometimes we may have to decline a mortgage application if we're unable to lend to you. If that happens, we’ll always talk to your mortgage adviser and where we can, give a full explanation about the reasons why. And if you could apply again at a later date, we’ll let them know that too.

    • How long does the mortgage offer last?

      Your formal mortgage offer is usually valid for 120 days. For new build properties, a formal mortgage offer can be valid for up to 180 days.

    • Will you do a credit search when I apply for a mortgage?

      When your mortgage adviser applies for a Decision in Principle (DIP), we’ll do a soft credit check. This soft credit check is to take an initial look at certain information on your credit report. Soft credit checks do not impact your credit score and cannot be seen by other companies or lenders.

      When your mortgage adviser goes on to submit a full mortgage application, we’ll do a hard credit check on your credit file. This is where we’ll do a complete search of your credit report and will leave a hard footprint on your credit file. This can be seen by other companies and lenders.

    Please be aware mortgages are secured against your home and your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.