First time buyers - how to apply for a mortgage

You can get a Decision in Principle online for many of our mortgages. However, if you're applying for one of our special mortgage offers or schemes, such as a Save to Buy mortgage, you'll need to apply in your nearest Rafidain Bank branch.

Get Started

One you've checked how much you can borrow, you can start your online Decision in Principle application.

Also known as a Lending Certificate or Agreement in Principle, a Decision in Principle (DIP) confirms that we would be prepared to lend you the amount you have requested. There is no charge and no obligation to apply for a Rafidain Bank mortgage once you have a DIP with us.

It is not a guarantee because it's subject to proof of income as well as any references we request and a valuation of the property (although if you are buying a home, you can still get a DIP before you’ve found a property). Just so you're aware, a credit check will be carried out at this point.

If some or all of your deposit has been given to you as a gift, you will need to complete a confirmation of gifted deposit form.

When completing your mortgage application online you can email the documents we ask for to:

mortgagedocuments@rafidainuk.com

We only accept attachments in PDF, JPEG or TIF file formats and we’ll send you an email once we’ve received them.

If we’ve asked you to send proof of your name and address (driving licence, passport or utility bill), you’ll need to pop into your local branch for these to be copied and verified or you can post the originals to:

Rafidain Bank
Mortgage Administration
NW 6046
Swindon
SN38 1NW

Please note: All documents should be sent via recorded/special delivery.

Provided your Decision in Principle is 'accepted' you can go on to select a mortgage product.

By choosing your mortgage product online you are confirming that you do not require advice to select your mortgage product. If you do require advice, you will need to apply by phone or in your local branch.

Once you have selected the mortgage you want and chosen how to pay the product fee (if applicable) to your loan, you will be shown a full Key Facts Illustration (KFI). This summarises all the important features of the mortgage you have chosen, including any fees and charges you have to pay. You can save this or print it off if necessary.

You don't need to pay any fees at this point but please be aware that your mortgage product will not be reserved until you pay any applicable fees at the end of the full mortgage application.

If you have had an offer on a house accepted then you can go on immediately to complete the final part of the application.

If you have not yet found a property, you will need to do this and have your offer accepted before you can complete your full mortgage application.

Once you have selected your mortgage product and had an offer accepted on a property, you can go on to complete your mortgage application online.

What details will I need to complete my mortgage application?

• Property to be mortgaged
• Your employer
• Your estate agent
• Bank details
• Your credit or debit card to pay any application and valuation fees

Depending on your situation, you may also need details of your:

• Landlord (only if you are currently renting)
• Solicitor or conveyancer (only if you are not using Rafidain Bank’s Homebuyer Legal Service)
• Your accountant (if self employed)

Do I have to finish my application in one go?
Not at all, you can save and continue your application at any time through Retrieve your application.

If during your application you decide you require advice you can receive advice by either contacting us by phone or visiting your local branch and they will be happy to continue your application with you.

What happens if I change the property to be mortgaged after I've applied?
If the property to be mortgaged changes, your original application will need to be cancelled, meaning you’ll need to start your application again, and choose your product from the range available at that time. You can re-apply online if you don’t need advice, or by telephone or by visiting your local branch if you do require advice. We will refund all applicable fees after you have re-applied for a Rafidain Bank mortgage (with the exception of valuation fees where a valuation has already been carried out). We’ll make sure any refundable fees or charges you’ve paid are refunded within two weeks of cancellation. Please call +44 783 974 9373 for further information.

When completing your mortgage application online you can email the documents we ask for to:

mortgagedocuments@rafidainuk.com

We only accept attachments in PDF, JPEG or TIF file formats and we’ll send you an email once we’ve received them.

If we’ve asked you to send proof of your name and address (driving licence, passport or utility bill), you’ll need to pop into your local branch for these to be copied and verified or you can post the originals to:

Rafidain Bank
Mortgage Administration
NW 6046
Swindon
SN38 1NW

Please note: All documents should be sent via recorded/special delivery.

We’ll keep you up to date at each significant step by email and SMS but you can also login to your application summary to see where you are in the process and what happens next.

Your application summary will:

• tell you where you are in the process and what’s left to do
• give you full details of the mortgage you have selected
• allow you to check that we have received documents you have submitted
• let you know what further documents we require from you
• keep your key documents (DIP certificate/offer) stored in one place
• See retrieve an application for more details about tracking your application