What Documents Do You Need to Buy a House?

Get this sorted early

One of the things that slows down a house purchase is paperwork. Specifically, buyers not having their documents ready when they are needed. The mortgage lender asks for payslips, the buyer has to dig them out. The solicitor needs proof of address, the buyer cannot find a recent utility bill. Each small delay adds days, and those days add up.

Here is everything you will need, broken down by what it is for.

For your mortgage application

This is the big list. Your lender (or mortgage adviser) will ask for all of this as part of the full application.

Identity documents

• Valid passport or UK driving licence (photo ID)
• Utility bill, bank statement, or council rates bill dated within the last three months (proof of address)

Income evidence (employed)

• Three months' payslips (some lenders ask for the most recent one only, but have three ready)
• Most recent P60 (your annual tax summary from your employer)
• Latest employment contract if you have changed jobs recently

Income evidence (self-employed)

Self-employed applicants need to provide more documentation. This is the part that catches people out, because gathering it takes time.

• Two to three years of finalised accounts, prepared by a qualified accountant
• Corresponding SA302 tax calculations from HMRC (or tax year overviews)
• If you trade through a limited company: company accounts for the last two to three years
• Business bank statements (some lenders request these)

If your accounts are not up to date, get them done before you apply. A lender will not proceed without them, and waiting for your accountant to prepare accounts can add weeks to the process.

Bank statements

• Three months of personal bank statements for all accounts you hold
• These should show your salary going in, regular outgoings, and the build-up of your deposit

Proof of deposit

• Savings account statements showing the deposit funds
• If any of the deposit is a gift: a signed gifted deposit letter from the person providing it, plus their bank statement showing the source of the funds
• If using a Lifetime ISA or Help to Buy ISA: a recent statement

For your solicitor

Your solicitor (conveyancer) will need their own set of documents. Some overlap with the mortgage paperwork.

• Photo ID and proof of address (same as above)
• Your mortgage offer letter (once issued by the lender)
• Proof of funds for the deposit
• Completed property information forms (your solicitor will send you these)

Solicitors in Northern Ireland are required to carry out anti-money laundering checks, so they will be thorough about verifying your identity and the source of your funds. Do not take this personally; it is a legal requirement and applies to everyone.

Other things you will need

Buildings insurance quote. Your mortgage lender will require buildings insurance to be in place from the date of completion. You do not need to have the policy active during the application, but you will need it arranged before the money is released. Get a few quotes in advance so you are ready.

Survey report. If you commission your own survey (a HomeBuyer Report or Building Survey), this will come back to you directly. Your lender arranges their own valuation separately.

Tips for keeping things moving

• Start gathering documents as soon as you start thinking about buying. Do not wait until you have had an offer accepted.
• Keep digital copies of everything. Scan or photograph your payslips, bank statements, and ID. Most advisers and solicitors accept digital copies these days, and having them on your phone means you can send them over within minutes.
• Your mortgage adviser will tell you exactly what is needed. They deal with this every day and will give you a specific list for your lender. Not every lender asks for the same things, so do not assume.
• Respond quickly. When your solicitor or adviser asks for something, get it back the same day if you can. We see purchases stall because buyers take a week to return a form or find a document. Every day counts.

Next steps

If you are starting the buying process, getting your agreement in principle is the logical first step. That will tell you what you can borrow and get you mortgage-ready. Our first-time buyer guide walks through the full process from start to finish, and our buying costs guide covers all the expenses you need to plan for.

For mortgage advice, CGR Financial is independent and FCA-regulated, with access to a wide range of products from across the market. They will guide you through exactly what paperwork you need for your specific situation.

Contact us if you have any questions, or browse our properties for sale to start your search.