Money and mortgages
Mortgage Application Documents: A First-Time Buyer Checklist
Get your mortgage paperwork ready with a simple checklist covering identity, income, spending, deposit evidence and gifted deposits.
Quick answer
Mortgage paperwork varies by lender, but commonly requested documents include proof of identity and address, bank statements, evidence of income and evidence of your deposit. If any deposit money is a gift, tell your lender, broker and conveyancer early.
Education, not advice. Use this as a clear starting point, check the linked official sources and speak to an appropriately regulated professional before acting. Read the disclaimer
Jump to an answer
Your basic document folder
- Proof of identity, such as a valid passport or driving licence.
- Proof of address, such as suitable bills or bank statements.
- Recent bank statements for the period requested.
- Evidence of income, such as payslips and a P60 if requested.
- Evidence showing where your deposit came from.
- Details of loans, credit cards and regular commitments.
If your income is not straightforward
The documents needed can depend on how you earn money. If you are self-employed, a contractor or receive variable income, ask the lender or regulated mortgage adviser what evidence will be required before you make a full application.
MoneyHelper says self-employed applicants may be asked for bank statements, business accounts and details of Income Tax paid.
If part of your deposit is a gift
Tell the professionals involved as early as possible. A lender or conveyancer may ask for a gifted deposit declaration and evidence about the source of funds. Do not wait until exchange is close to mention it.
Make the process easier
- Keep clear digital copies in one folder.
- Use consistent names and addresses across documents where possible.
- Check that identity documents are still valid.
- Respond promptly if the lender or adviser asks for an updated statement.
Common questions
How many months of bank statements do I need?
The lender or adviser will tell you what they need. MoneyHelper says recent bank statements are commonly requested, often covering the last three to six months.
Do I need to prove where my deposit came from?
Expect to provide evidence of your deposit. This can include savings statements or Lifetime ISA statements, and extra documents if any money is gifted.
Official sources
Use these sources to check the latest rules and read more detail:
Your next useful read
5 min read
Money and mortgages
Mortgage agreement in principle
A plain-English guide to mortgage agreements in principle, also called mortgage in principle or decision in principle, and what to do next.
Read the simple guide7 min read
Money and mortgages
How much can I borrow?
Understand how lenders estimate mortgage affordability, which income and outgoings matter, and why your comfortable budget is important.
Read the simple guide6 min read
Money and mortgages
Credit score before a mortgage
Learn why your credit report matters before a mortgage application and the practical checks to make before you apply.
Read the simple guide