How to Get a Mortgage: 7 Practical Steps to Improve Your Chances
Published 29th of November 2012·Updated 18 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
Getting a mortgage requires more than simply finding a property you want to buy. Lenders assess your credit history, income, employment stability, deposit size and outgoings before making a decision. Getting these elements in order before you apply can significantly improve your chances and get you a better interest rate.
Short Summary
Your credit report is one of the most important factors in a mortgage application. Check it with all three credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) before applying, as errors on any one of them could harm your chances.
The size of your deposit affects both your acceptance chances and the interest rate you are offered. A 10% deposit gets you on the ladder; a 15% or 20% deposit opens up significantly better deals.
Lenders also assess your affordability by looking at your income against your outgoings. Reducing unnecessary direct debits and avoiding new credit applications in the months before you apply sends the right signals.
If you are self-employed, have a complex income or have had credit problems in the past, a whole-of-market mortgage broker is strongly recommended. They know which lenders are most likely to accept your application and can prevent you from accumulating rejected applications on your credit file.
Register on the electoral roll
Being on the electoral roll is the single quickest thing you can do to boost your credit profile. Credit reference agencies use it to verify your identity and address. If you are not registered, lenders struggle to confirm who you are, and many will decline your application at the first stage.
Register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. You can register to vote at your current address even if you are renting or living with family. If you are a student, registering at your term-time address is usually better for credit purposes than staying registered at your parents' address, unless your term-time address changes every year.
Save the largest deposit you can
The minimum deposit most lenders accept is 5% of the purchase price. But the best mortgage rates are reserved for borrowers with deposits of 25% or more, giving a loan-to-value (LTV) of 75% or lower.
A 10% deposit (90% LTV) is achievable for most first-time buyers, but pushing to 15% or 20% can materially reduce your interest rate. On a £250,000 mortgage over 25 years, the difference between a 90% LTV rate and an 85% LTV rate could save £50 to £80 per month.
The government's Lifetime ISA (LISA) allows first-time buyers to save up to £4,000 per year and receive a 25% government bonus (up to £1,000 per year) to use towards a first home purchase.
Check and correct your credit reports
Your credit report is a record of every credit account you have held, every payment you have made (or missed) and every address you have been registered at. Lenders use it to decide whether to lend to you and at what rate.
Check your reports for free with Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Look for errors: a missed payment that was not your fault, a closed account still showing as open or an address you do not recognise. You can dispute errors directly with the credit reference agency, and most corrections are made within 28 days.
Also check your credit utilisation. Using more than 50% of your available credit limit on any card or overdraft signals financial stress to lenders. Paying down balances before applying can improve your profile quickly.
Avoid applying for credit before you apply for a mortgage
Every full credit application (for a credit card, loan, car finance or overdraft) leaves a hard search on your credit file. Multiple hard searches in a short period suggest to lenders that you are financially stretched. Most brokers and lenders recommend avoiding any new credit applications for at least three to six months before applying for a mortgage.
Checking your own credit file does not count as a hard search and will not affect your score. Mortgage decisions in principle (also called agreements in principle) typically use a soft search and also do not leave a mark.
Demonstrate financial stability
Lenders look for stability. The longer you have been at your current address, with your current bank and in your current job, the better. This does not mean you cannot get a mortgage if you have moved recently; it simply means you may need to provide more documentation to evidence your stability.
If you are employed, most lenders want to see at least three to six months of payslips and three months of bank statements. If you are self-employed, most lenders require two to three years of accounts or SA302 tax returns. Some specialist lenders will consider one year of accounts for newly self-employed borrowers.
Reduce your outgoings before you apply
Lenders carry out an affordability assessment that looks at your income alongside your committed outgoings, including loans, credit card minimums, car finance, subscription services and childcare costs. The lower your monthly commitments, the more you can borrow and the more confident the lender will be in your ability to meet repayments.
In the three to six months before applying, consider cancelling subscriptions you do not use, paying down short-term debts such as credit cards and avoiding large discretionary purchases that appear on your statements.
Use a mortgage broker
A whole-of-market mortgage broker can access deals from lenders who do not appear on price comparison sites, including specialist lenders for self-employed borrowers, those with adverse credit and unusual property types. They also know which lenders are most likely to accept your specific circumstances, which reduces the risk of rejected applications appearing on your credit file.
Many brokers charge nothing directly to you; they receive a procuration fee from the lender. Others charge a fee of £300 to £500. For complex cases, this is almost always money well spent.
| Preparation step | Timeline before applying |
|---|---|
| Register on electoral roll | As soon as possible |
| Check and correct credit reports | 3-6 months before |
| Avoid new credit applications | 3-6 months before |
| Reduce outstanding balances | 3-6 months before |
| Save deposit | Ongoing |
| Consult a mortgage broker | 1-3 months before |
How long does a mortgage application take?
Most mortgage applications take 4 to 8 weeks from submission to completion, though the process can be faster or slower depending on the lender, the complexity of your situation and how quickly the solicitors and surveyors act. Getting all your documents together before you apply (payslips, bank statements, ID, proof of deposit) speeds things up significantly.
Will a soft credit search affect my mortgage chances?
No. Soft searches do not appear on your credit file to other lenders. They are used for eligibility checks, price comparison sites and agreements in principle. Only hard searches (full credit applications) appear to other lenders. Ask any lender or broker whether they will perform a hard or soft search before they run a check.
Can I get a mortgage if I am self-employed?
Yes, though it can be more difficult than for employed borrowers. Most mainstream lenders (including Barclays, HSBC and Halifax) will consider self-employed applicants with two years of accounts. Some specialist lenders will consider one year. A mortgage broker experienced in self-employed applications is strongly recommended.
What is a mortgage in principle and do I need one?
A mortgage in principle (also called a decision in principle or agreement in principle) is a conditional statement from a lender confirming how much they might lend you, based on initial information. Most estate agents require one before they will accept an offer on a property. It is not a guaranteed offer, but it demonstrates that you are a credible buyer.
Does my partner's credit score affect my mortgage application?
Yes. If you apply jointly, lenders will assess both credit files. If one partner has a significantly worse credit history, this can affect the rate you are offered or limit which lenders will accept your application. In some cases, it may be worth applying individually if one partner has a strong enough income to support the mortgage alone. A broker can advise on the best approach for your circumstances.