Getting a Decision in Principle

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Last updated: Thursday 26 March

In light of latest government instructions around the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the market is temporarily suspending all face-to-face property valuations. This means we are temporarily unable to offer any new mortgages for residential or buy-to-let purchases, and may not be able to proceed with remortgage applications requiring a physical valuation.

We will continue to update this message as the situation develops and hopefully will have products to offer you in the near future.

Before applying for a mortgage you may need a Decision in Principle (DIP), sometimes referred to as an Agreement in Principle (AIP). A DIP gives an indication as to how much you could borrow from us and many sellers or estate agents ask to see your DIP as assurance that you can get a mortgage. It is for illustrative purposes only and doesn't provide all the information you need to choose a mortgage.

Takes under 10 minutes

Provide us with your details and we'll quickly let you know how much you could potentially borrow.

It lasts for 30 days

You'll have 30 days to submit a full mortgage application without having to repeat the DIP.

It doesn't affect your credit rating

We will carry out a 'soft' credit check which won't affect your credit score

What you'll need to know

Your income:

  • Salary
  • Bonuses
  • Overtime
  • Benefits
  • If you’re self-employed - last 2 years of accounts or Accountant's Certificate and net profit
  • For limited companies - amount of dividends and remuneration
  • If you’re a contractor please quote your annual salary as your daily rate x 5 x 48 weeks as employed income, rather than self-employed income.

Your outgoings:

  • Loans
  • Credit cards
  • Existing mortgage payments
  • Spending

How to get a DIP online

To get started you'll need to check your affordability using our affordability calculator and then request a DIP. This is done in two easy stages:

  1. The affordability calculator works out how much you might be able to afford to pay back on your mortgage based on your income and outgoings.

    2. If you've already got your affordability calculation, follow the instructions within your email. You can access it for 30 days before having to start again.

  2. We use the information you supplied for the affordability calculator and ask for some additional information to complete your DIP.

If you don’t complete both stages in one sitting, at the end of your affordability calculation we’ll send you details via email to allow you to complete your DIP within 30 days. Make sure you provide your email address and mobile number to be able to start from where you left off.

Launch Affordability Calculator

Need Help? Chat to us via Web Chat or call us on 0345 607 9825

Important information: We will use the information obtained from the credit check to undertake an automated assessment of your ability to afford the mortgage. Where we assess it is not affordable, your application may be rejected without being manually assessed by the Society. If the information you provide in the Affordability Calculator indicates that we might be able to lend to you, we will then carry out a soft credit check.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

*To help maintain service and quality, some telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.

Site intended for UK residents only. Skipton Building Society is a member of the Building Societies Association. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, under registration number 153706, for accepting deposits, advising on and arranging mortgages and providing Restricted financial advice. Principal Office, The Bailey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1DN.

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