Quick answer: typical Decision in Principle timeframes

Times vary by lender, loan type and complexity. Typical DIP timeframes we regularly see:

• Simple unsecured / small refinance (from £10,000): minutes to a few hours.
• Asset or equipment refinance: 24–72 hours (sometimes instant if automated).
• Refinancing business debts or consolidation: 24 hours–1 week.
• Commercial mortgage / property-secured refinance: 48 hours–2 weeks for DIP; full offers usually take longer.
• Large, complex or multi-creditor restructures: Several weeks for an accurate DIP and documentation review.

Want to move quickly? Get a Free Eligibility Check — it takes about 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score.

What is a Decision in Principle (DIP) — and why it matters for refinance?

A Decision in Principle, sometimes called an agreement in principle, is an initial, conditional indication from a lender that they would be willing to lend on stated terms, based on the information available at that stage. A DIP is not a formal offer and it is always subject to further checks (valuations, underwriting, legal checks and confirmation of facts).

For refinance, a DIP helps you:

• Know quickly whether a lender is likely to accept your case;
• Compare likely loan sizes and broad terms across lenders;
• Start negotiations or plan refinancing timings (for example, to manage existing loan exit penalties).

How the UK Business Loans process speeds up a refinance DIP

Step-by-step: from enquiry to DIP

1. Submit a short enquiry: Our quick form asks for basic business details, loan amount (we handle loans from £10,000 upwards), purpose and contact info — it typically takes under 2 minutes. Start Your Enquiry.
2. Match to suitable lenders or brokers: We use your details to match you to partners who specialise in refinancing your type of business and loan size — this avoids wasting time with unsuitable lenders.
3. Lender preliminary checks: Matched lenders or brokers may run soft credit checks and review key documents to form a view.
4. DIP issued: If the preliminary view is positive, lenders supply a DIP — often within hours for straightforward cases or up to a few days for secured/property deals.

Our role: introducer and matchmaker

UK Business Loans does not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. We introduce your business to lenders and brokers who can review your case and issue a DIP. Submitting an enquiry is free and no obligation — matched lenders/brokers will contact you directly with next steps.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Factors that speed up or slow down a DIP

Information and documents

Fast DIPs usually follow when you can quickly supply accurate documents. Typical items lenders request at the DIP stage include:

• Recent business bank statements (3–6 months)
• Latest management accounts or full accounts
• Details of existing loans or facilities (statements showing balances and payments)
• Director/owner ID and addresses
• Asset lists (machinery, vehicles) or property addresses
• Lease agreements or tenancy details for property-secured deals

Type of refinance and security

Unsecured or small asset refinance is often faster. Property-secured refinancing commonly needs valuations, which add time — valuer availability can be a key delay.

Credit profile and sector

Businesses with straightforward credit histories and stable cashflow are usually faster to reach a DIP. Specialist sectors or recent credit issues may prompt additional checks and a longer timeframe.

Lender workload and complexity

Some lenders can issue automated DIPs outside business hours, others require underwriter review during working days — this affects speed.

Quick wins: gather key documents before you submit your enquiry to get the fastest response.

Realistic timelines with examples

Scenario A — Small unsecured refinance (£10k–£50k)

DIP: minutes–a few hours. Formal offer: 2–7 days (subject to documents).

Scenario B — Asset refinance (machinery, vehicles)

DIP: 24–72 hours. If valuers are required, valuation may take 5–10 working days; final offer after valuation and paperwork.

Scenario C — Commercial mortgage refinance (property-secured)

DIP: 48 hours–2 weeks (depends on initial underwriting and valuation booking). Full offer: commonly 3–6 weeks including valuation and legal work.

Scenario D — Complex restructuring (multiple creditors)

DIP: variable — often several weeks because lenders need full creditor details and management forecasts. Formal offers require extended due diligence.

If you’re unsure which scenario fits your business, submit a short enquiry and we’ll match you to a partner who can give a realistic timescale. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

How you can get a Decision in Principle faster — practical checklist

Do this before you hit submit:

• Have 3–6 months of business bank statements ready.
• Prepare recent management accounts or last two years’ accounts.
• List existing loans with balances and monthly payments.
• Provide accurate director/contact details and ID where available.
• Detail any security you can offer (assets, property addresses).
• Note any early repayment charges or lender break costs on current facilities.

Completing these in advance reduces back-and-forth and speeds the DIP decision. Start Your Enquiry — It takes 2 minutes

What to expect after you receive a DIP

A DIP gives you a conditional commitment. Next steps commonly include:

1. Full underwriting review and formal credit checks (with your consent).
2. Valuation for secured deals.
3. Receipt of a formal offer or term sheet.
4. Legal work and completion (which may involve solicitors for property-secured cases).

Time from DIP to formal offer varies: for simple loans it can be days; for secured/commercial mortgages it may be several weeks. Always treat the DIP as a helpful planning tool — not a final guarantee.

Why choose UK Business Loans for refinance DIPs

• Fast matching to lenders and brokers suited to your sector and loan size.
• Short, 2-minute enquiry — no obligation and no initial cost to you.
• We help businesses access refinance solutions from £10,000 upwards.
• Clear process and quick turnaround for straightforward cases.

We are an introducer — not a lender, and we do not provide regulated financial advice. Our aim is to connect you with lenders or brokers who can assess your case quickly.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Learn more about refinance product types and how they differ by visiting our partner page about refinance loans.

Frequently asked questions

Will applying for a Decision in Principle affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform soft checks at DIP stage; hard credit checks are usually only done later with your consent.

How long until a lender contacts me after I submit?

Many matched lenders or brokers will contact you within hours during business hours. If you submit outside business hours, expect a reply the next working day.

Is the service free?

Yes — submitting your enquiry is free and no obligation. Any fees or charges from lenders will be disclosed by that lender or broker before you accept an offer.

Do you guarantee a DIP or loan?

No. We don’t lend and cannot guarantee decisions. We connect you to providers who assess your application and, where appropriate, issue a DIP.

What documents should directors have ready?

Director ID and proof of address, recent payslips if applicable, and details of other personal or business loans—having these ready helps speed the process.

Can I get a DIP if I have past credit issues?

Possibly. Because we work with a wide panel of lenders and brokers, some specialise in cases with adverse credit — submit your details and we’ll match you to the most appropriate partners.

Get a Free Eligibility Check — it takes 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score.