MORTGAGE APPLICATION
Mortgage lenders normally require evidence of income when assessing affordability and a mortgage application. The documents required depend on how you earn your income, the lender and your circumstances.
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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Why do mortgage lenders need proof of income?
Lenders need to understand the amount, source and sustainability of income when assessing affordability and the application. Requirements differ between lenders.
Providing evidence of income does not by itself mean a mortgage application will be approved. Lenders consider affordability, credit information, the property and their wider lending criteria.
What can count as proof of income?
Employed income
Payslips and other employment information may be requested.
Self-employed income
Accounts, tax calculations or other business and income evidence may be required.
Pension income
Pension statements or other evidence of pension income may be requested.
Other income
Lenders may consider certain additional sources of income subject to their criteria and appropriate evidence.
What documents might an employed applicant need?
Requirements vary, but lenders may ask for evidence such as:
Recent payslips
Bank statements showing salary payments
Employment details
Evidence of bonuses, overtime or commission where relevant
How much history is required?
There is no universal requirement. The number of payslips or statements requested can vary depending on the lender, income structure and circumstances.
What if I’m self-employed?
Self-employed applicants may need to provide different evidence because lenders need to assess income generated through the business. Potential evidence can include accounts, SA302s or tax calculations, tax year overviews, business bank statements where required, and information about the business and ownership. Lender requirements vary.
What if my income varies?
Bonuses, overtime, commission, contracting income and other variable income may be assessed differently by different lenders. A lender may consider the amount, frequency and history of the income.
Do mortgage lenders check bank statements?
Lenders may request bank statements as part of an application. These can help evidence income and provide information relevant to affordability and the application.
What if I have more than one source of income?
Some lenders may consider multiple income sources where they meet their criteria and can be appropriately evidenced. Treatment varies by lender and income type.
What if I can’t provide the documents requested?
Applicants should discuss this with their adviser or lender rather than submitting inaccurate or incomplete information. Alternative evidence may sometimes be acceptable depending on the lender and circumstances.
What information should I have ready?
Identification and address evidence
Employment or business information
Income evidence
Bank statements where required
Details of existing financial commitments
Deposit and source-of-funds information
Details of the proposed property where available
Can a mortgage adviser help?
A mortgage adviser can discuss the applicant’s income structure, identify mortgage options that may be available and explain the evidence likely to be required by a particular lender. Requirements ultimately depend on the lender.
Mortgage proof of income FAQs
What counts as proof of income for a mortgage?
How many payslips do I need for a mortgage?
Do mortgage lenders check bank statements?
What proof of income do I need if I’m self-employed?
Can bonuses and overtime count towards mortgage affordability?
Can I get a mortgage with variable income?
Can lenders consider income from more than one source?
What happens if I cannot provide proof of income?
MORTGAGE APPLICATION
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