Applying for a mortgage isn’t complicated, but it is document-heavy and can feel intrusive. Lenders want to see who you are, how you earn your money, how you spend it, and where your deposit is coming from. The sooner you organise these documents, the smoother your application will be.
This guide sets outexactly what you’ll need and when to get it ready.
1. ID and Proof of Address
When to prepare: As soon as you start house-hunting.
Lenders and brokers must verify who you are and where you live. You’ll usually need:
- A valid passport or UK driving licence
- A recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement showing your current address
If your ID doesn’t match your address, fix this early. Simple admin issues can create delays later, especially when lenders run electronic checks.
2. Proof of Income
When to prepare: Before securing a Mortgage in Principle.
Lenders want a clear view of your earnings and how stable they are. What you provide depends on how you work:
If you’re employed:
- Last 3 months’ payslips
- Most recent P60
- Contract of employment (sometimes needed for new roles)
If you’re self-employed:
- Last 2–3 years’ SA302s or tax year overviews
- Full accounts from a qualified accountant
- Business bank statements (if requested)
If your income varies (bonuses, commission, overtime):
Expect the lender to average it out over the past 3–12 months. Have documentation ready to show patterns in your pay.
3. Bank Statements
When to prepare: 1–2 months before applying.
Lenders typically ask for your last 3 months of bank statements. They’re checking:
- Regular income matches your payslips
- Your spending is stable and sensible
- There are no unmanageable debts or unexplained incoming payments
Avoid large cash deposits during this period — they always prompt extra questions. If something unusual appears on your statements, be ready to explain it clearly.
4. Deposit Evidence
When to prepare: Before an offer on a property.
You need to show exactly where your deposit has come from. Lenders must confirm it’s legitimate and not borrowed (unless declared).
Common forms of evidence include:
- Savings statements
- ISA statements
- Investment account statements
- Equity release documents (if selling a property)
If your deposit is spread across different accounts, consolidate it early.Multiple transfers near the application date tend to slow things down.
5. If Your Deposit Is a Gift: What the Gift Letter Needs to Say
When to prepare: As soon as a family member offers to help.
Gifted deposits are common, especially for first-time buyers. Lenders simply require clarity.
A gift letter should include:
- The giver’s full name, address, and relationship to you
- The exact amount being gifted
- A statement confirming it is an unconditional gift, not a loan
- A statement confirming no stake in the property will be held
- Confirmation the giver is using legally obtained funds
- The giver’s signature and date
Most lenders will also ask the gift-giver for:
- ID
- Proof of address
- Bank statements showing the origin of funds
It’s routine, but the earlier you prepare this, the less it will delay things.
When to Start Preparing Your Documents
A straightforward timeline:
- House-hunting stage: ID, proof of address
- Before a Mortgage in Principle: Proof of income
- 1–2 months before application: Bank statements
- Before making an offer: Deposit evidence
- If using a gifted deposit: Gift letter + proof from the giver
Many people wait too long to gather paperwork, then feel pressured when the lender asks for something urgently. Starting early removes that stress.
Final Thoughts
Document checks can feel intrusive, but they’re just part of the process. Most issues are easy to solve when spotted early. If you’re unsure whether something will be accepted, a mortgage adviser can help you understand what lenders expect and keep the whole application moving sensibly.