What documents do I need to apply?

schedule 2 min read

When you’re ready to apply for a mortgage, your lender will ask for some documents to confirm your identity, income and financial situation. Having these ready to go can help speed up the process. This is a general guide, your lender will let you know exactly what they need.

Here’s the types of documents you’ll usually need:

Proof of identity

You’ll need to show photo ID like a passport or driving license.

Proof of address

You’ll be asked for things like recent utility bills, council tax statements or bank statements that show your name and address. These will usually need to be from the last three months.

Proof of income

If you’re employed, you’ll likely need your last three months’ payslips and your most recent P60. You can ask for this from your employer.

If you're self employed, you might need the latest two years of accounts or tax returns, along with the latest two years SA302 and tax year overview documents from HMRC.

Bank statements

Lenders will want to see your recent bank statements (usually the last three months) to understand your regular income, outgoings and spending habits.

Details of your outgoings

This will include things like credit card balances, loans, childcare costs or subscriptions. You don’t necessarily need to provide receipts, but lenders will often see this information in your bank statements.

Proof of deposit

You’ll also be asked where your deposit is from. This is part of the lenders’ checks and to make sure that the money isn’t being borrowed. Here’s the types of evidence you’ll need:

• If the deposit is from your savings, you’ll usually need to show recent bank statements showing the money has built up over time.
• If it’s a gift (for example from a family member), you’ll need a signed letter from them confirming that the money is a gift and not a loan, and that they don’t expect to have any legal claim on the property.
• If you’re using money from the sale of another property, you might need to show a copy of the completion statement or proof of funds arriving in your account.

If you’re buying with someone else, they’ll need to provide the same documents too. Some lenders might ask for extra paperwork, especially if your income comes from multiple places or if your situation is a bit more complex.