What documents do I need for a mortgage application?

What documents will mortgage lenders ask for? 

The mortgage application process requires various forms of proof to ascertain who you are and whether you can afford a mortgage. There is a small degree of variance in what lenders ask for, but typically the same documents will apply to all applicants, with self-employed mortgage borrowers usually needing to provide a few more.

No matter whether you're applying for your first mortgage or a remortgage, we'll need the following:

• Proof of identity - Photo ID such as a passport or driving licence

• Proof of address - Utility or council tax bill

• Proof of income  - Payslips for the most recent 3-12 months and a P60 if you want to include income not on your payslip, such as bonuses or commission

• Proof of financial responsibility - Bank statements covering 3 months

• Proof of deposit - You’ll need to show either the savings account containing your deposit or proof of how you obtained your deposit. If gifted the gifter will usually need to sign a form to confirm that they do not require the money back

What documents do I need for a mortgage if I'm self-employed?

You’ll need the same documents as listed above, however, additional documents are usually required to back up your proof of income, so you’ll usually also need:

• More bank statements - This varies by lender but can be as little as 6 month’s worth, or potentially up to 3 year’s worth. If you have a separate business bank account you’ll need to provide statements for both that and your personal bank account

• Additional proof of income - The majority of lenders will want to see between 12 and 36 month’s worth of certified accounts and your end of year tax calculations (SA302), but it depends on your employment type. For example, company directors and partners may also need to provide proof of dividends and retained profits, whereas contractors may need to provide proof of contracts and their day rate

• If you’re a CIS or umbrella contractor, you are usually treated as employed for the purposes of a mortgage application, but may need to provide a longer duration of payslips than a fully employed applicant

Why it’s best to prepare your documents ahead of your application

One of our mortgage advisers can often get you MIP (mortgage in principle) within 24 hours, but in order to avoid delays, be sure to upload your documents as soon as possible. 

One of the major delays experienced during the application process is due to missing documentation. Having all of your documentation to hand when you apply for your mortgage in principle can help speed up the process when it comes to the full application.

How to submit your documents through My Mojo

At Mojo we allow you to submit all documents digitally through your ‘My Mojo’ account, which speeds up the process from the day you apply. Once you’ve submitted the required proof through our online portal, we’ll make life easier by passing them onto the lender for you, once you make your application.

A scan or good quality photo in JPEG or PDF format of the documentation listed above will be a good starting point

As all lenders have slightly different terms, what you’ll need to provide if you go to the full application stage can vary from one application to the next. But don’t worry, your case manager will be in touch to let you know exactly what’s needed.