Pre-approval question

I'm mildly interested in an apartment as a PPOR that is up for auction in about 4 weeks. The REA guide price indicates they are looking for Feb 20 and pre-COVID-19 prices and in this current environment, I am not going to go there but could do something at the bottom end of the guide price if there was little interest in it. Having a decent deposit and secure employment (as far as it ever can be) I'm not expecting issues obtaining a mortgage or loan.

To those more knowledgeable than I in such matters
A. Should I apply for pre-approval now even although it is by no means certain if I will proceed?
B. Will the pre-approval application have any negative impact upon my credit rating?

As background info, last year I allowed two pre-approvals lapse with U-Bank. The first time I just missed a property and second time around, nothing of interest arose and since then, I haven't been interested looking.

 

1. It will depend on how strong a borrower you would be. Safer to get a pre-app with auctions.
2. Not really, but you wouldn't want too many credit hits

 

Thanks fpr the responses.
The LVR isn't an issue because I have a very decent deposit but finding the right apartment property for a PPOR is the difficult part. What will retain my interest in this current property is if I receive previous from the REA, the Owners Corporation AGM Minutes going back a few more years that report minimal damage of the building and reasonable maintenance costs. Not sure I'll receive them but I'll be patient.