Can I exchange contracts before I receive my mortgage offer?

If for any reason the mortgage offer is declined or delayed or it contains conditions that you cannot comply with the mortgage money may not be available when required. This is likely to mean that you will be unable to complete the contract, resulting in the loss of your deposit and a claim against you by the sellers for compensation. Therefore it is extremely dangerous to exchange contracts before the mortgage offer is received and any competent solicitor would strongly advise you against this.