Agreement In Principle (AIP)

An Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a preliminary statement from a lender indicating the amount they may be willing to lend to a buyer based on initial financial checks. It's a valuable tool in the UK property market and helps show commitment and the ability to complete by serious buyers.

What is an Agreement In Principle?

An Agreement in Principle (AIP), also known as a Decision in Principle (DIP) or Mortgage in Principle (MIP), is an essential step in the UK property buying process. It is a document provided by a lender that outlines how much they might be willing to lend you, based on an initial assessment of your financial situation, including income, expenses, credit history, and other relevant factors.

While not a formal mortgage offer, an AIP gives potential buyers a clear understanding of their budget and strengthens their position when making an offer on a property. Sellers and estate agents often view buyers with an AIP more favourably, as it indicates that they are serious and financially prepared to proceed with a purchase. However, it's important to remember that an AIP is not legally binding, and the final mortgage offer will depend on a full application and detailed checks.

An Agreement in Principle is a crucial tool for anyone looking to buy property in the UK, providing a clear indication of borrowing potential and enhancing the credibility of your offers. By securing an AIP early in your property search, you can better navigate the competitive UK property market, with the confidence that you're financially prepared to proceed when you find the right home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Agreement In Principle (AIP) is a term that you may have heard before, but you might not be sure what it means. Here are some common questions and answers to help you understand what it means.

An AIP typically lasts between 60 to 90 days, depending on the lender. If you don't find a property within this period, you may need to reapply for a new AIP.
Some lenders perform a soft credit check, which doesn't affect your credit score, while others may conduct a hard credit check, which could have a slight impact. It's important to ask your lender which type of check they will perform.
No, an AIP is not legally binding. It's an indication of how much a lender might lend you based on preliminary information, but it does not guarantee that you'll be approved for a mortgage.
To get an AIP, you'll typically need to provide information about your income, employment status, regular expenses, existing debts, and other financial commitments. The lender will use this information to assess your borrowing capacity.