Mortgage Switching Timeline: Application to Drawdown
A typical mortgage switch takes 8–12 weeks from first application to your mortgage moving to the new lender. Here's what happens at each stage and how to keep things on track.
The Timeline
| Stage | Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Research & compare | Week 1 | Compare rates with our calculator. Choose your target lender. |
| Application | Week 1–2 | Submit application with supporting documents to new lender. |
| Assessment | Week 3–5 | Lender reviews income, credit, and property details. Orders valuation. |
| Valuation | Week 4–6 | Independent valuer inspects your property. Report sent to lender. |
| Loan offer | Week 6–8 | If approved, you receive a formal loan offer. Review and sign. |
| Solicitor | Week 7–10 | Your solicitor handles legal transfer from old to new lender. |
| Drawdown | Week 10–12 | New mortgage draws down. Old mortgage is redeemed. Switch complete. |
Recommended Toolkit
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Mortgage Switching Pack
Lender comparison matrix, break-fee calculator, application checklist & timeline planner.
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Documents You'll Need
- Photo ID and proof of address
- 3 months payslips / salary certs
- 6 months bank statements (all accounts)
- Employment Detail Summary from Revenue
- Current mortgage statement (balance, rate, account number)
- Property valuation (arranged by the new lender)
- Home insurance certificate
- BER certificate — get one at Homerating.ie (useful for green mortgage rates)
How to Avoid Delays
- Have documents ready before applying — missing paperwork is the #1 delay
- Respond to lender queries within 48 hours
- Choose a solicitor experienced in switches — they handle them faster than general practitioners
- Get your BER cert early — if it unlocks a green rate, this adds value and is needed at application stage