At what stage can a mortgage offer be withdrawn?

Asked by: Mr. Harry Upton I  |  Last update: December 22, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (54 votes)

A mortgage offer can be withdrawn on the day of completion. Once funds have been transferred to the seller's solicitor, the mortgage can no longer be withdrawn. Mortgages being withdrawn at such a late stage in the home-buying journey is rare and doesn't happen often.

Can my mortgage offer be withdrawn?

Can a mortgage offer be withdrawn by a lender? Yes, a mortgage offer can be revoked by the provider at any time after it's been issued. Make sure you thoroughly read all the information you receive with your mortgage offer, as there should be a section detailing the circumstances in which it may be withdrawn.

When can a real estate offer be withdrawn?

Can a buyer back out of a contract? The short answer is yes, a buyer is free to withdraw their offer at any time.

How much is a mortgage exit fee?

An early redemption charge (ERC) usually applies if you decide to come out of a specific interest rate deal (fixed rate, discounted or tracker) with your existing mortgage lender before the agreed term. Typically, ERCs are charged as a percentage of the mortgage loan, ranging from 1% to 5%.

Can anything go wrong after a mortgage offer?

Yes, a mortgage offer can be withdrawn, even after acceptance. It's rare, but until you've completed the purchase, the offer isn't guaranteed. Lenders have the right to withdraw under certain conditions detailed in the offer terms. If this happens to you, don't panic.

Can a Mortgage Offer Be Withdrawn | Advice for Buying a House

18 related questions found

Can a mortgage be declined after an offer?

Your mortgage application could be declined, even after you've been given an agreement in principle (AIP).

Can a mortgage fall through after signing?

Mortgage approvals can fall through on closing day for any number of reasons, like not acquiring the proper financing, appraisal or inspection issues, or contract contingencies.

How can I avoid mortgage exit fees?

One potential solution is to consider porting your mortgage. Many lenders allow you to transfer your existing mortgage to a new property, subject to meeting their criteria. This would let you keep your current rate and avoid the exit fee.

What is the cancellation fee for a mortgage?

Cancellation fees typically range between 0.5% to 2% of the loan amount cancelled. Applies to refinancing for residential properties, or purchase and refinancing for commercial properties.

Can closing costs come out of mortgage?

You're still paying for these costs—they are just paid through your loan instead of paid out of pocket. The lender may also offer to give you a credit to help with your closing costs. This credit isn't free either.

When can an offer not be withdrawn?

Irrevocable Offers

Not every type of offer is revocable. One type of offer that is irrevocable (cannot be revoked) is the option contract. An option contract occurs when an offeree has provided consideration (usually a payment) to the offeror in exchange for a promise to keep the offer open for a specified period.

What happens if I put an offer on a house and change my mind?

If the buyer changes their mind for a reason that is not covered by a contingency, they may forfeit their earnest money deposit. For example, if the buyer simply decides they do not want to purchase the home, they will likely lose their earnest money deposit.

Will I lose my deposit if I am denied a mortgage?

Can My Security Deposit Be Returned If My Mortgage Is Denied At Closing? If you have a contingency in place that includes an offer and purchase contract, you may be able to get your earnest money back. However, if you don't have it, you could lose it.

Can I cancel my mortgage after signing?

Yes. For certain types of mortgages, after you sign your mortgage closing documents, you may be able to change your mind. You have the right to cancel, also known as the right of rescission, for most non-purchase money mortgages.

Can you withdraw an offer at any time?

Until the offer is formally accepted, and a contract is signed by both parties, either the buyer or the seller can withdraw from the negotiation process without legal consequences.

How long is a mortgage offer valid?

Most mortgage offers last three to six months, but this can vary from lender to lender. Not all lenders count offer validity from the same point, with some using the date you put in an offer on the property and others using the date of your mortgage application.

Can I cancel mortgage before closing?

You can back out of buying a house any time before closing. However, you'll likely face penalties — including possibly being sued — if the purchase agreement has already been signed and you're backing out for a reason that isn't listed as a contingency in the purchase agreement.

What is an acceptable cancellation fee?

Cancellation fees

It's reasonable to set fees for cancellations within your permitted notice period, usually as a percentage of your regular service fee. For example, you might charge 50% of the fee if they cancel within 48 hours.

Can I cancel my mortgage offer?

You're legally allowed to cancel your mortgage application any time before it reaches completion. But you may forfeit any charges that have already been made. It's important to talk with your lawyer and read the terms and conditions of your offer first.

How do I get out of an exit fee?

How do I avoid exit fees when switching energy? Industry regulator Ofgem has ruled that your energy supplier can't charge you any exit fees if you switch within the last 49 days (or 7 weeks) of your contract. Don't worry about forgetting the end date of your tariff.

How can I get out of my mortgage without selling it?

Rent Your Home Out

Renting is always a great option to consider when determining how to get out of a house mortgage. Renting out your home to someone else allows you to maintain ownership of the property while still making your loan payment.

Can closing costs be reduced?

You can reduce closing costs by shopping for the lowest lender fees, asking the seller to contribute and closing near the end of the month.

Can you be denied on closing day?

If there are any changes to your credit score or employment status, your loan can be denied during the final countdown.

Can you withdraw an offer on a house after accepted?

The short answer is yes, you can back out of an accepted house offer. However, when you sign a purchase agreement, you're entering into a legally binding contract that includes specific terms. Typically, you'll be required to make an upfront payment known as an earnest money deposit.

What happens if you change your mind about buying a house before closing?

If the buyer simply changes their mind, they will most likely lose their earnest money. The deposit usually goes to the seller as indicated in the contract terms.