What Documents Do I Need for a Mortgage?

Getting ready to apply for a mortgage can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. One of the questions we're asked most often is, "What documents do I actually need?"

The good news is that most lenders ask for broadly similar information. While the exact documents will depend on your circumstances and the lender you choose, there are a number of documents that almost every applicant should expect to provide.

Getting everything organised before you apply can save time, reduce unnecessary delays and make the whole process much less stressful.

Here's what you'll most likely need.

1. Proof of Identity

Before a lender can offer you a mortgage, they first need to confirm your identity. This is a standard part of every mortgage application and helps protect against fraud. Most high street lenders are now able to verify your identity electronically. Some lenders may instead ask you to provide one valid form of photographic identification.

This may include:

·      A valid passport

·      A UK photocard driving licence

·      A national identity card (where accepted)

Make sure your identification is still valid before you apply. An expired passport or driving licence can delay your application while replacement documents are obtained.

2. Proof of Address

Lenders also need to confirm where you currently live.

Examples of documents that may be accepted include:

·      Council Tax bill

·      Utility bill (gas, electricity or water)

·      Bank or building society statement

·      Credit card statement

·      HMRC letter

·      Mortgage statement

·      Tenancy agreement (where accepted)

Most lenders expect these documents to be recent, although the exact requirements can vary.

If you've recently moved home or different documents show different addresses, don't worry. It's a common situation and can usually be explained before your application is submitted.

The important thing is to let your adviser know early so any questions can be dealt with before they become delays.

3. Proof of Income

The documents you’ll need will depend on how you earn your income.

If you're employed

You may be asked for:

·      Your last three months' payslips

·      Your latest P60

·      Three months' bank statements showing your salary being paid in

·      Your employment contract (occasionally)

·      Evidence of any additional income (e.g. bonus, commission, overtime)

If you're self-employed

Depending on the lender, you may be asked for your most recent one or two years’ of:

·      Tax Calculations (SA302s)

·      Tax Year Overviews

·      Business accounts

·      Business bank statements

Whether you’re self-employed or employed and receive bonuses, commission or regular overtime, we'll also explain how different lenders may assess that income.

Every lender has slightly different requirements, so don't worry about trying to second-guess what's needed. We'll explain exactly which documents are likely to be required for your circumstances before your application is submitted.

If you're self-employed, our guide 'Getting a Mortgage When You're Self-Employed' explains how lenders assess income in more detail.

4. Bank Statements

Most lenders will ask to see your last three months' bank statements.

Lenders aren't looking for perfect spending habits. Instead, they’re checking that the information in your application is consistent with your bank statements and gaining an understanding of your regular financial commitments.

They may look at things such as:

·      Salary payments

·      Existing loan or credit card repayments

·      Regular household commitments

·      Child maintenance payments

·      Gambling transactions

·      Large cash deposits

·      Returned direct debits

If there's something you think a lender may question, it's usually better to mention it before the application is submitted rather than waiting to be asked later.

5. Proof of Your Deposit

Lenders also need to understand where your deposit has come from.

Common examples include:

·      Personal savings

·      A gift from parents or family

·      The sale of another property

·      An inheritance

·      Investments

·      A bonus from work

If your deposit is being gifted, the lender will usually ask for some additional documentation confirming that the money is genuinely a gift and doesn't need to be repaid. We’re also happy to speak to anyone who’s planning to gift you money towards your new home, helping them understand what’s likely to be required on their side.

If that's your situation, our article 'What Is a Gifted Deposit?' explains the process in more detail.

Ready to Get Organised?

By now, you should have a much clearer idea of the documents most lenders are likely to ask for and why having them ready before you apply can make the process much smoother.

To help you get started, we've created a Mortgage Application Preparation Checklist that you can print or save and work through at your own pace. It summarises the key documents covered in this guide and provides a simple checklist to help you prepare before your mortgage application begins.

Download Your Free Mortgage Application Preparation Checklist

Need a little more help?

Every mortgage application is different, so once we understand your circumstances, we'll let you know exactly which documents are needed for your application.

Whether you're buying your first home, moving house or remortgaging, we're always happy to answer your questions and help you get the foundations in place before you apply.

Preparing your mortgage application documents in advance can make the whole mortgage process quicker and less stressful. If you’d like to discuss your circumstances, get in touch and we’ll explain what’s likely to be needed before you apply.

The content of this guide is provided for general information and insight only. It is not tailored to your individual circumstances and should not be relied upon as personal financial advice. If you'd like advice that's specific to your situation, please get in touch with us.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.