How Long Time Take to Get a Mortgage Approval?

In Canada, the mortgage approval process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. While the timeline can be uncertain, you can influence the duration of the process. Factors such as market changes, the lender you choose, and whether you get pre-approved can speed things up or slow them down.

–  To start, considering pre-approval is a good idea. Many future homebuyers seek pre-approval to understand how much they can borrow. You can usually obtain pre-approval within one to three business days, depending on how quickly your lender responds.

–  Whether you choose to get pre-approved or not, the next step is to explore the real estate market in your chosen area to identify your ideal home. Once you find a property and submit an offer, the mortgage approval process begins formally.

–  This process includes submitting a complete mortgage application along with necessary documents, such as proof of income, employment verification, credit history, and property details. The lender will review your application and evaluate your financial situation to decide whether to approve the mortgage. For details on what your lender may consider, refer to our guide for first-time homebuyers.

–  Typically, lenders aim to give a decision within one to four weeks after receiving your application. However, this timeframe can vary based on the application’s complexity, the lender’s workload, and external factors like market conditions or regulatory updates.

–  After receiving approval, the final steps of completing the mortgage documents and securing funding may take an additional few days to a couple of weeks. This phase involves transferring funds and finalizing any outstanding paperwork.

In summary, the entire process of applying for a mortgage to closing usually spans one to two months.

Several factors can affect your chances of getting approved for a mortgage and how long it takes. While some of these factors are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to improve your chances. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:

Financial Health: Lenders look closely at your financial situation, including your income, job stability, debt-to-income ratio, and credit history. A strong financial profile can help speed up the approval process. To understand your financial standing better, consider using a mortgage approval calculator.

Property Evaluation: At a stage in the mortgage approval process, your lender will appraise your property to confirm that its value matches the loan amount. Delays may occur if there are any discrepancies or issues with the appraisal.

Documentation Accuracy: Providing complete and accurate documentation is essential for timely processing of your application. Any missing information or errors can cause delays, as your lender may need to ask for more documents or clarifications.

Lender’s Workload: The number of applications a lender is processing at any time can impact the approval timeline. During busy periods, like the spring homebuying season, processing may take longer.

External Factors: Economic conditions, regulatory changes, or unforeseen events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can also affect the mortgage approval process and its timeline.