So, you’ve received your mortgage approval – congratulations! Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, there’s no denying the sense of excitement (and maybe a smidge of impatience) that comes next. But naturally, you are now asking: how long after mortgage approval to completion? Let’s explore the full timeline and the key steps that can either speed up or delay your homeownership journey.
How long does it take from mortgage offer to completion?
In Ireland, once your mortgage offer is issued, the finish line is in sight – but you’re not quite there yet. Typically, the process from mortgage offer to completion can take between 6 to 12 weeks. However, every journey is unique, and this depends on a variety of factors including the property chain, your solicitor’s efficiency, and your lender’s processing speed.
Being mortgage-approved is a major step, but a lot still needs to happen behind the scenes before you get your keys.
Typical timeframe: what can slow you down?
The journey from approval to completion isn’t always linear. Here’s what can influence the pace:
- Chain length: If you’re in a long property chain, expect more delays as each link must be ready to move forward together.
- Legal issues: Title deed checks, planning permissions, or rights of way can uncover unexpected snags, which need time to be resolved.
- Lender speed: Some lenders are faster than others, and delays can happen if additional documentation is needed.
If you’re wondering about the full process, check out our guide on what is the next step after mortgage approval.
How long from signing contracts to completion?
Signing the sale contracts is a major milestone in the home-buying process. Once your solicitor receives the sale contracts, they will typically include a proposed closing date. You are free to accept this date or suggest an alternative one, but in most cases, the seller proposes the initial timeline, and the final completion date will depend on how quickly both sides can move forward.
After you sign and return the contracts, your solicitor will liaise with the seller’s solicitor and your Mortgage Broker (or Bank) to confirm the drawdown of funds. On average, you can expect completion to occur within 5 to 10 working days from when your solicitor formally requests the mortgage funds.
However, this timeline can vary depending on when all parties—including the lender, solicitors, and seller—are fully ready and in agreement to complete the transaction.
What influences the mortgage completion date?
Several factors can impact your mortgage completion date, including:
- Buyer/seller readiness: Are both parties ready to move? Delays often arise when someone isn’t quite there yet.
- Property chain: The more people involved, the more potential for hiccups and delays.
- Solicitor delays: If your solicitor is juggling multiple cases or slow to respond, it can significantly hold up the process by delaying key paperwork, contract reviews, and communication with other parties.
- Mortgage lender processing: Even after approval, lenders need time to release funds.
- Mortgage Protection and Life Insurance approval: Required in Ireland, this can sometimes hold things up if not sorted early.
- Unexpected issues: Last-minute problems or holiday periods can disrupt plans.
We always recommend ensuring all the documents required for a mortgage are complete, accurate, and well organised from the outset to avoid unnecessary delays and repeated back-and-forth requests.
Key factors that affect timing from mortgage offer to completion
To understand how long from mortgage offer to completion, consider these critical factors:
- Property chain complexity: The longer the chain, the more parties involved. Each buyer and seller must align, which increases the chance of delays.
- Solicitor searches: Issues with title deeds, boundary disputes, planning permissions, or rights of way can add extra weeks to the process.
- Valuation or survey issues: If a property survey highlights concerns, the lender may request further inspections or reassess the loan offer, leading to delays.
- Solicitor workload and communication speed: A proactive, well-organised solicitor can accelerate your journey. In contrast, overloaded or slow-responding solicitors can become a major bottleneck.
- Ongoing solicitor queries: Questions around property details or contracts often result in back-and-forth communication that can drag out the process—especially if responses are delayed.
- Lender processing time: Mortgage lenders vary in speed. While some move swiftly, others may take longer to release funds or process final paperwork.
- Holiday periods or last-minute changes: Bank holidays, annual leave, or sudden changes to contracts or financial arrangements can create unexpected setbacks, so timing around key dates is crucial.
Can you influence the timing?
The good news? Yes! you can help keep things on track. While some aspects are out of your hands, there are steps you can take to avoid delays:
- Respond quickly to queries: Whether it’s your solicitor or Mortgage Broker, speedy replies matter.
- Choose a proactive solicitor: This can make a massive difference in how quickly things progress. If possible, choose a solicitor that specialises in conveyancing.
- Ensure paperwork is ready: Make sure you are ready with any closing documents that you are asked for.
- Secure mortgage protection and life and Home Insurance in advance: These are legal requirements in Ireland. Avoid last-minute surprises.
- Communicate clearly with all parties: A little clarity goes a long way. Stay in regular contact with your solicitor, lender, and estate agent.
For more tips, see our post on how long does it take to get a mortgage approved.
How MortgageLine can help speed up the process
At MortgageLine, we know the Irish mortgage process inside out. We work closely with lenders, solicitors, and estate agents to minimise delays and help you reach your mortgage completion date as quickly as possible. Our team of experts is always on hand to guide you, answer your questions, and tackle any hiccups before they turn into major delays.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned buyer, having the right support makes all the difference. Learn more about how we’re specialists in first time buyer mortgages and how a mortgage broker can help you.
FAQs
How long does it take from going sale agreed to completion?
It usually takes 2 to 3 months from going sale agreed to completion. However, this will depend on your Mortgage Broker, the solicitors’ efficiency, document readiness and lender timelines.
At what stage do you get a completion date?
The completion date is usually set once all legal work is completed, mortgage funds are ready, and both buyer and seller agree on a closing date.
Who decides the completion date?
The completion date is normally proposed by the seller and agreed by the buyer, with input from solicitors to ensure all legal and financial ducks are in a row.
Ready to move forward with confidence? Contact MortgageLine today for a free mortgage review call and let’s keep your mortgage journey on track!
