| Payslips | Usually the last three months |
|---|---|
| Bank statements | Usually three months; some lenders ask for six |
| Self-employed history | Usually two years; some lenders accept one |
| SA302s | Downloadable from HMRC online for the last four years |
| Format | Original PDF statements, not screenshots |
What documents does every mortgage applicant need?
Whatever your income type, lenders need to confirm who you are, where you live, what you earn and where your deposit comes from. These checks are required under anti-money laundering rules as well as lending policy.
- Passport or UK photocard driving licence
- Proof of address: a recent utility bill, council tax bill or bank statement
- Three years' address history
- Three months' bank statements for your main current account
- Proof of deposit, such as savings statements or a sale memorandum
- Details of loans, credit cards, car finance and other commitments
Lenders will also run a credit search. It is worth checking your own credit report with the main agencies before you apply. Correct any errors and make sure you are on the electoral roll at your current address.
What do employed applicants need?
Employed borrowers usually provide three months' payslips and their latest P60. Bonus, commission or overtime may need more history, often two years, before a lender will count it.
- Last three months' payslips (or six if paid weekly or variable)
- Latest P60
- Employment contract if you are new in the role or on probation
- Evidence of bonuses, such as bonus letters or two years' P60s
- Contract and day-rate evidence if you are a contractor
What do self-employed applicants need?
Sole traders and partners usually provide two years' SA302 tax calculations with matching tax year overviews from HMRC. Some lenders accept one year's trading. Others prefer accounts signed by a qualified accountant.
- Two years' SA302s and tax year overviews
- Two or three years' accounts, if the lender asks
- Accountant's reference or certificate for some lenders
- Three months' business bank statements
You can print SA302s from your HMRC online account 72 hours after filing. Check your lender accepts self-printed copies. Our guide to self-employed mortgage income explains how they are used.
What do limited company directors need?
Directors who own 20% to 25% or more of a company are usually treated as self-employed. Lenders look at salary and dividends, or salary plus your share of net profit.
- Two years' full company accounts
- Two years' personal SA302s and tax year overviews
- Accountant's certificate confirming salary, dividends and retained profit
- Three months' business and personal bank statements
- Latest management accounts if the year end is old
What do foreign nationals and expats need?
Lenders need to confirm your right to live in the UK and assess income that may be in another currency. Requirements vary widely between lenders.
- Passport and evidence of immigration status, such as an eVisa share code
- Time in the UK and length of remaining visa, where relevant
- UK or overseas credit history
- Foreign-currency payslips and bank statements, with certified translations if needed
- Proof of overseas address if you live abroad
See our foreign national mortgage guide for more detail.
What do landlords need for a buy-to-let mortgage?
Landlords provide the usual personal documents plus evidence about the rental business. Portfolio landlords with four or more mortgaged properties provide the most detail.
- Property portfolio schedule: address, value, loan, lender, rent
- Tenancy agreements and rental statements
- SA302s or accounts showing rental income
- Business plan and cash flow forecast for larger portfolios
- Company documents, shareholder ID and personal guarantees for SPV borrowers
How do you prove where your deposit came from?
Lenders and solicitors must trace your deposit. Savings need statements showing they built up over time. Large unexplained transfers will be questioned.
- Savings or investment statements
- Completion statement if the deposit comes from a property sale
- A signed gifted deposit letter and the donor's ID, if family is helping
- Evidence of the source of any overseas funds
How can you avoid document delays?
Gather documents before you start. Lenders often ask for items in batches, so a complete pack at the outset saves time. Keep everything in one folder, clearly named by type and date. Send original PDF downloads rather than photos or screenshots. Make sure names and addresses match across documents. Explain one-off payments before the lender asks.
Avoid large unexplained transfers, new credit applications and job changes while your application is in progress. If something changes, tell your broker straight away. Lenders can withdraw an offer if circumstances change before completion.
OMB checks your documents against each lender's criteria before submission, which reduces back-and-forth with underwriters.
Sources
Checked October 2026. Rules and tax treatment can change, so confirm the current position before acting.
Frequently asked questions
How many months of bank statements do I need for a mortgage?
Most lenders ask for three months of statements for your main current account. Some ask for six, particularly for self-employed applicants or where income is irregular. Savings statements showing your deposit are usually needed too. Statements must show your name and address clearly.
Do lenders accept online bank statements?
Most accept PDF statements downloaded from online banking. Screenshots and edited files are usually rejected. Some lenders still ask for certified copies, especially for overseas accounts. If you bank with an app-only provider, check the statement shows your name, account number and the bank's details. A broker will know which lenders accept which formats.
Can I get a mortgage with only one year's accounts?
Yes, some lenders accept one full year of self-employed trading, especially if you worked in the same field before. Choice is narrower than with two years' history. A broker can identify which lenders take this view. Your accountant's projections for the current year can also help.
What is an SA302?
An SA302 is HMRC's calculation of your income and tax for a tax year. Lenders use it with the matching tax year overview to confirm self-employed income. You can download both from your HMRC online account 72 hours after filing.
Do I need a gifted deposit letter?
Yes, if family is giving you some or all of your deposit. The letter confirms it is a gift, not a loan, and that the giver will have no interest in the property. Lenders and solicitors also need the giver's ID and proof of funds.
What documents do I need if I'm paid in a foreign currency?
Usually payslips, bank statements and an employment contract, with certified translations where they are not in English. Lenders may apply a discount to income to allow for exchange rate risk. Fewer lenders accept foreign-currency income, so choice matters. Some lenders only accept certain major currencies.
Do I need the same documents for a remortgage?
Usually yes if you move to a new lender, because it will reassess your income and credit. You will also need your current mortgage statement. A product transfer with your existing lender often needs few or no documents if you are not borrowing more.
How long are mortgage documents valid for?
Lenders want recent documents. Payslips and bank statements should usually cover the latest months. Proof of address should normally be dated within three months. Out-of-date documents are a common reason for delays. If your application takes several weeks, the lender may ask for updated payslips or statements before issuing the offer. Keep sending the latest ones as they arrive.
Important: This guide is general information, not personal advice. Rules, rates and lender criteria change; speak to an adviser about your circumstances. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.