Frequently Asked Questions about obtaining a decision in principle online.

A Decision in Principle (DIP) is an indication of whether we may be able to lend to you based on the information you provide and the results of our initial checks. It is not a guarantee that your mortgage application will be approved.

To obtain a Decision in Principle (DIP), we will carry out a soft credit search on all applicants. A soft search does not affect your credit score and is not visible to other lenders.

If you choose to proceed with a full mortgage application, we will then carry out a hard credit search. A hard search will be recorded on your credit file and may be visible to other lenders when they review future applications.

We will make this clear to you before the hard credit search is performed.

Most of your mortgage application can be completed online through our portal, including obtaining a Decision in Principle, submitting your application, uploading documents and tracking your application’s progress.

Whether you need to receive mortgage advice before proceeding will depend on the type of mortgage you are applying for:

• If you will be living in the property you’re buying or remortgaging, you will generally need to speak with one of our mortgage advisers before submitting your full application.
• If you’re buying or remortgaging a Buy to Let or Holiday Let property, you will generally have the option to proceed without advice if you prefer.

If advice isn’t required, but you’d still like to discuss your options with a mortgage adviser, we’re happy to help arrange this for you. Your Decision in Principle outcome will confirm the next steps for your application.

The documents required vary depending on your circumstances, but typically include proof of income, identification, bank statements and evidence of your deposit.The portal will tell you exactly what documents are needed for your application. If you are unsure about anything that is being asked for, please contact our Direct Mortgage team who will be happy to help.

You can login to the portal at any time to track the progress of your application, view updates, upload requested documents and see if we need any further information from you.

We’ll also keep you informed at key stages of your application through email and text message updates, so you’ll know when important milestones have been reached or if there’s anything we need from you to help keep your application moving forward.

Our team is here to support you. If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

If your Decision in Principle (DIP) application is declined and you believe the decision may be based on incorrect or incomplete information, you can ask us to review the outcome through our appeals process.

Please email the Direct Mortgage team at directsales@bibs.co.uk, including:

• Your Decision in Principle reference number
• Details of the decision you would like us to review
• Any additional information you feel may be relevant

A member of the team will investigate your appeal and contact you if any further information is required.

Please note: An appeal does not guarantee that the original decision will be changed, but we’ll ensure the information used to assess your application has been reviewed appropriately.