The mortgage application process takes longer than you think. You can get a DIP/AIP very quickly however you need to make sure you get your formal application submitted to get a Mortgage in Principle (MIP).
Once you have a mortgage in principle, the lender will value the property and only then will you get your mortgage offer. From start to finish, it can be as quick as 2 weeks and as long as 5 weeks.
Andrew Boast FMAAT MIC is co-founder of SAM Conveyancing.