If you’re starting your home buying journey, one of the first steps is to secure an Agreement in Principle.

Whether you’re a first time buyer or moving home in Manchester, getting an AIP can help you understand how much you may be able to borrow and show estate agents you’re serious about your offer.

What is an agreement in principle?

An Agreement in Principle (AIP), also known as a Mortgage in Principle or Decision in Principle, is a confirmation from a lender that they would, in theory, be willing to lend you a certain amount. It’s based on basic details about your income, spending, and credit history.

An AIP isn’t a mortgage offer, and it doesn’t guarantee approval later, but it gives you a strong starting point. It also helps you focus your property search on homes that match your budget.

Most estate agents will ask to see an AIP before accepting an offer, so it’s useful to have one in place early on.

How long does an agreement in principle last?

An Agreement in Principle usually lasts between 30 and 90 days, depending on the lender. If your AIP expires before you find a property or make an offer, you can request a new one, often without starting from scratch.

It’s important to make sure the information you give stays accurate. If your income, credit commitments or spending changes, it could affect your eligibility when you move on to a full application.

What is a soft credit search?

When you apply for an AIP, the lender will usually run a soft credit search. This type of check reviews your credit profile without leaving a visible footprint on your credit file. It doesn’t affect your credit score, and other lenders can’t see it.

Soft searches are ideal in the early stages of the mortgage process. They give lenders enough information to decide whether they’re likely to lend, without putting your credit score at risk.

That means you can get an AIP and shop around with confidence, even if you’re not quite ready to apply for a full mortgage.

What is a hard credit search?

A hard credit search happens when you formally apply for a mortgage. This check is more detailed and will leave a mark on your credit file that other lenders can see.

Too many hard searches in a short space of time can temporarily lower your credit score, which is why it’s important to avoid making multiple full applications if you’re still comparing your options. If you already have bad credit in Manchester, this becomes even more important, as additional credit checks can reduce your chances of being approved by certain lenders.

As your mortgage broker in Manchester, we’ll help you avoid unnecessary hard checks by finding lenders that are most likely to accept your application based on a soft search.

Get Your Agreement in Principle Within 24 Hours

When you book a free initial mortgage appointment with our team, we’ll help you secure your Agreement in Principle within 24 hours.

We’ll also guide you through what it means, how long it lasts, and how to use it when you’re viewing or making offers on a property.

Whether you’re a first time buyer in Manchester or looking to move home, our mortgage advisors in Manchester are here to help you move forward.

Date Last Edited: June 18, 2025