Mortgage approval process

This is the normal process your mortgage passes through for approval:

1. Find a property and have your offer accepted.
2. Submit mortgage application for approval.
3. Lenders will write for references.
4. Valuation of property will be instructed.
5. Report from valuation returned to lender.
6. Subject to satisfactory valuation, your mortgage will be underwritten in full and a formal offer of mortgage prepared.
7. When you are happy with the mortgage offer, sign and return it to the lender.

(Note: to shorten the process, and avoid steps 2 and 3, it pays to already have your mortgage agreed in principle.)