Yes you did read it correctly; my broker has just completed a purchase from the application to the completion in just 4 days!
Their client wanted to buy a Buy-to-Let property at auction that needed renovation and he was given just 14 days to complete his purchase. The first lender they approached rejected the property as in its current condition it was not lettable- a common problem with renovation property. By this time, there were only 4 days left to complete, or the client would have lost a substantial deposit!
As he planned to live in the property while it was renovated, my broker recommended he switch to a residential mortgage and use a brand new ‘instant offer’ system.
She submitted his application on the Friday, received an instant formal mortgage offer the same day, and the solicitor drew down the funds to complete the following Wednesday-on time and with no penalties!
She has 3 major lenders who now offer this slick service by using desktop surveys rather than sending out a surveyor to the property. This means a mortgage offer can be produced in less than 2 hours straight from the online application form and all the documents emailed immediately to your solicitor.
The service is only available for residential purchases at the moment, but most areas and all types of mortgage products are available.