Securing a mortgage in the UK involves several well-defined steps:

1. Agreement in Principle (AIP): A preliminary assessment by a lender of your borrowing power before you make offers.
2. Property Valuation and Survey: A surveyor assesses the property for its condition and market value.
3. Full Application: You submit all required documents (income proof, identity, address, employment) and lender conducts affordability checks.
4. Offer Stage: The lender issues a formal mortgage offer if your application passes.
5. Completion: Legal work (conveyancing) is done, funds transfer, and the property title passes to you.

During this process, timely document submission and clear communication matter a lot. Delays can stall your application or risk losing your property offer.