What Documents First-Time Buyers Must Provide for a Mortgage

Applying for your first mortgage can feel paperwork-heavy, especially if you are not sure what lenders will ask for or why. Understanding the first-time buyer mortgage documents required at an early stage can make the application process smoother and reduce delays once you have found a property.

This guide explains the documents first-time buyers are usually asked to provide, what lenders use them for, and how to prepare so your application progresses without unnecessary setbacks.

Why Lenders Ask for So Many Documents

Mortgage lenders are required to check affordability, identity, and the source of funds before approving a loan. The documents you provide allow them to confirm that the mortgage is affordable, that you are who you say you are, and that your deposit has come from an acceptable source.

Although the list can seem long, each document serves a specific purpose within the lender’s assessment process.

Proof of Identity and Address

One of the first things lenders will request is proof of who you are and where you live. This is part of standard identity and anti-fraud checks.

Accepted Proof of Identity

Most lenders accept one of the following:

• Passport
• Driving licence

The document must be valid and in date. If you are applying jointly, each applicant must provide their own identification.

Proof of Address

You will usually need to provide recent proof of address, such as:

• Utility bill
• Council tax statement
• Bank or credit card statement

These documents normally need to be dated within the last few months.

Proof of Income

Proof of income is a key part of the first-time buyer mortgage documents checklist. Lenders use this information to assess how much you can afford to borrow.

If You Are Employed

Employed applicants are typically asked for:

• Recent payslips
• Latest P60

If your income includes bonuses, overtime, or commission, lenders may ask for additional payslips to show consistency.

If You Are Self-Employed

Self-employed first-time buyers usually need to provide:

• Tax calculations and tax year overviews
• Business accounts

Some lenders require multiple years of income evidence, while others may accept less, depending on the overall application.

Bank Statements

Bank statements allow lenders to see how you manage your money on a day-to-day basis. They are used to confirm income, review spending habits, and identify any existing commitments.

Most lenders ask for several months of statements from your main current account. If you have additional accounts that receive income or are used regularly, these may also be requested.

You can learn more about how lenders review this information in our guide on what lenders look for on bank statements.

Evidence of Deposit

First-time buyers must show not only how much deposit they have, but also where it has come from. This is a crucial part of the mortgage process.

Savings

If your deposit comes from savings, lenders will usually ask for bank statements showing how the funds have built up over time.

Gifted Deposits

If some or all of your deposit is a gift from a family member, lenders typically require:

• A gifted deposit letter
• Evidence of the donor’s funds

This confirms that the money is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.

Other Sources

Deposits may also come from inheritance, investments, or the sale of assets. In each case, documentary evidence will be required to show the source clearly.

Credit Commitments and Financial Outgoings

Lenders will assess your existing financial commitments to understand your overall affordability. Some of this information is obtained from your credit file, but supporting documents may still be required.

You may be asked to provide details of:

• Loans
• Credit cards
• Car finance
• Child maintenance or other regular commitments

This helps lenders ensure the mortgage repayments are manageable alongside your other obligations.

Employment and Contract Details

Some first-time buyers may be asked for additional documentation relating to their employment.

This can include:

• Employment contracts
• Confirmation of probation status
• Evidence of recent job changes

Lenders use this to assess income stability, particularly if you have recently started a new role.

Property-Related Documents

Once you have an offer accepted on a property, lenders may request documents linked to the purchase itself.

These can include:

• Memorandum of sale
• Details of the property type and tenure

This information supports the valuation and legal stages of the mortgage process.

Additional Documents in Certain Situations

Some first-time buyers will be asked for extra documentation depending on their circumstances.

Buyers with Credit Issues

If you have a history of missed payments, defaults, or other credit issues, lenders may ask for explanations or supporting evidence. We cover this in more detail in our guide on mortgages with adverse credit.

Buyers Using One Income

Single applicants may be asked for additional affordability evidence, especially where income is variable. You can learn more in our guide on getting a mortgage on one income.

How to Prepare Your Documents Before Applying

Being organised before you apply can prevent delays later. Consider:

• Gathering documents early
• Checking names and addresses match across paperwork
• Ensuring statements and payslips are clear and complete

Preparation helps ensure your application moves smoothly once submitted.

Key Takeaways for First-Time Buyers

The first-time buyer mortgage documents required are designed to confirm identity, affordability, and the source of your deposit. While the process can feel detailed, understanding what is needed and why can make it far less stressful.

Having documents ready early reduces the risk of delays and helps lenders assess your application more efficiently.

This guide provides general information only. Personalised mortgage advice should always come from a regulated mortgage adviser.