Yorkshire Building Society has launched a new scheme allowing borrowers to gain a mortgage approval in principle via its website.

Borrowers can start the application online before transferring to a completing their mortgage in branch or over the phone if they prefer.

The move is designed to make the mortgage application process easier and simpler for customers by increasing flexibility.

The society said this will help those house-hunting in a competitive market by giving them the assurance of having funding in place without committing them to a specific mortgage, loan amount or term length.

The approval in principal is valid for 30 days and is subject to fuller income checks once it gets to the full application stage.

Nick Gander, e-commerce manager for Yorkshire Building Society, said: “We are committed to making life as easy as possible for customers.

“We understand many of our customers have busy lives and want to apply for a mortgage in the most convenient way for them.

“By giving borrowers the ability to begin their application online, then transfer to a branch or complete things over the telephone if they would like more guidance, they can do things when and how it suits them.

“We hope this move will help to take some of the stress out of buying a home by making the mortgage application process a smooth and straight-forward experience for our customers.