Will getting a DIP affect my credit score?

No. We use a soft credit search, which is visible only to you and leaves no footprint on your credit file.

How long does a mortgage in principle last?

A DIP is typically valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on the lender. If your circumstances change, or if you have not found a property in that window, we recommend refreshing it.

The DIP and initial advice are free with no obligation. If you choose to proceed to a full mortgage application, a broker fee may apply: typically up to £595, or up to £1,000 for complex cases. Any fee is agreed and confirmed in writing before a full application is submitted. Protection advice carries no fee. We may also receive commission from the lender.

Mortgage Decision in Principle (DIP) & Agreement in Principle

Q: What is the difference between a MIP, AIP and DIP?

They are the same thing. Lenders and brokers use different names — Mortgage in Principle (MIP), Agreement in Principle (AIP) and Decision in Principle (DIP) — but each refers to a certificate confirming an indicative amount a lender would consider lending you, subject to a full application and underwriting.

Q: I am self-employed — can I still get a DIP?

Yes. We regularly arrange decisions in principle for self-employed applicants, contractors and limited company directors, and we work with lenders who understand these income structures.

Q: I have a CCJ or missed payments — will I be accepted?

Adverse credit does not automatically rule you out. Some lenders specialise in applications involving CCJs, defaults or missed payments. The right outcome depends on your individual circumstances, which we will review before approaching a lender.

Q: Do I have to apply for a mortgage after getting a DIP?

No. A Decision in Principle is informational and commits you to nothing. You are free to use it, refresh it or set it aside.

The Basics

What is a Mortgage Decision in Principle?

It's a written indication

A certificate showing roughly what a lender is prepared to lend, based on your income, deposit and circumstances.

It makes you a serious buyer

Estate agents and sellers take buyers with a Decision in Principle far more seriously. It shows you are ready to move.

It is not a guarantee

A Decision in Principle does not guarantee a mortgage offer — that comes after a full application. But it is the essential first step.

Your first step on the mortgage journey

Whether you are just starting to explore or ready to make an offer, a mortgage Decision in Principle brings clarity. It tells you roughly what you can borrow so you can search for the right properties — and act quickly when you find one.

Sometimes it is called an Agreement in Principle (AIP) or Mortgage in Principle (MIP). Same thing, different name. We will help you get one without the jargon.

Get Mine Now

WHY CHOOSE US

Why get your Decision in Principle through GG Mortgages?

Going direct to a single bank limits your options. We search the whole market on your behalf, and tell you straight whether it is worth applying.

Whole-of-market search

We compare across lenders rather than a single bank's own products, so you see what is genuinely available to you.

No hard credit check required

Our DIP process uses a soft search, so it leaves no external footprint on your credit file. No impact, no risk.

A real person on hand

You speak to a broker, not a chatbot. If your situation is complex, we will guide you through it.

Self-employed? No problem

We specialise in more complex cases, contractors, Ltd company directors, and anyone with variable income.

Adverse credit considered

Missed payments or defaults do not automatically rule you out. We will be straight with you about your options.

Free service, no obligation

Advice and your DIP are free. If you proceed to a full mortgage, a broker fee of typically up to £595 may apply, we tell you before you commit.

how it works

Three steps to your certificate

Simple, quick, no jargon. Most people complete this in under 10 minutes.

Tell us about yourself

Share a few details — your income, deposit, property value, and employment type. No lengthy forms.

We search the market

We check lender criteria and affordability across the market to find what you're likely to qualify for.

You get your certificate

We issue your DIP certificate and walk you through next steps. No pressure, no obligation.

Start Now - Free

GET STarted

Get your Decision in Principle

Fill in a few details and one of our brokers will review your situation, check lenders across the market and come back to you with your DIP assessment. and what it means for your search.

What you get

No hard credit footprint

No obligation to proceed

Free advice, transparent fees

Same-day response target

Whole-of-market search

Prefer to talk it through?

Book a free 15-minute call at a time that suits you, or give us a ring.

Phone us (Mon-Fri, 9am - 6pm)

0330 127 3773

Book a free call

Choose a time that suits you for a free, no-obligation chat.

Tell us about yourself

Thanks - we've got your message

One of our team will get back to you within 2 hours during working hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm). If you've reached out outside of these times, we'll be in touch first thing next morning.

Sorry, your message didn't go through. Please try again or contact us directly on 0330 127 3773.

AFTER YOU SUBMIT

What happens next?

We keep things simple and keep you informed at every step.

We review your details

A GG Mortgages broker reviews your submission and checks your details against lender criteria across the market.

You receive your assessment

We confirm which lenders are likely to accept you, your probable borrowing ceiling, and your DIP certificate.

We talk through your options

No pressure. When you are ready to move forward, we guide you through the full application, step by step.

FAQS

Common questions

Cannot find what you are looking for? Give us a call, we are happy to talk through your situation.

What is the difference between a MIP, AIP and DIP?

They are all the same thing. Different lenders and brokers use different names, but a Mortgage in Principle (MIP), Agreement in Principle (AIP) and Decision in Principle (DIP) all refer to the same certificate confirming an indicative borrowing amount.

Will getting a Decision in Principle (DIP) affect my credit score?

Our process uses a soft credit search, which leaves no footprint on your credit file. You can get your Decision in Principle (DIP) with complete peace of mind.

How long does a mortgage Decision in Principle last?

A DIP typically lasts 30–90 days, depending on the lender. We recommend revisiting yours if your circumstances change, if you have not found a property within that window, or if lender criteria shift.

I am self-employed, can I still get a DIP?

Absolutely. We specialise in self-employed, contractor and Ltd company director cases. We will check criteria across lenders familiar with more complex income structures.

I have a CCJ or missed payments, will I be accepted?

Adverse credit does not automatically rule you out. Different lenders have different appetites for risk, and some specialise in this area. We give you an honest assessment of your position.

Do I have to apply for a mortgage after getting a DIP?

Not at all. A mortgage in principle is purely informational, it commits you to nothing. Many people get one early in their property search just to know their budget.

Are there any fees?

Your DIP and initial advice are free, with no obligation. If you decide to proceed to a full mortgage application, a broker fee may apply on offer. We always agree the exact fee with you upfront.

Get My Mortgage Decision in Principle

Know your
budget. Buy with confidence

What is a Mortgage Decision in Principle?

It's a written indication

It makes you a serious buyer

It is not a guarantee

Your first step on the mortgage journey

Why get your Decision in Principle through GG Mortgages?

Whole-of-market search

No hard credit check required

A real person on hand

Self-employed? No problem

Adverse credit considered

Free service, no obligation

Three steps to your certificate

Tell us about yourself

We search the market

You get your certificate

Get your Decision in Principle

What happens next?

We review your details

You receive your assessment

We talk through your options

Common questions

Other ways we can help

Adverse Credit

Self-Employed

Interest Only Mortgage

Moving Home

Ready to take the first step?

Know your budget. Buy with confidence

What is a Mortgage Decision in Principle?

It's a written indication

It makes you a serious buyer

It is not a guarantee

Your first step on the mortgage journey

Why get your Decision in Principle through GG Mortgages?

Whole-of-market search

No hard credit check required

A real person on hand

Self-employed? No problem

Adverse credit considered

Free service, no obligation

Three steps to your certificate

Tell us about yourself

We search the market

You get your certificate

Get your Decision in Principle

What happens next?

We review your details

You receive your assessment

We talk through your options

Common questions

Adverse Credit

Self-Employed

Interest Only Mortgage

Moving Home

Ready to take the first step?

Know your
budget. Buy with confidence