Going to your first appointment with a local mortgage adviser is an exciting time – it’s your first step to buying your next property!
However, if you’re not prepared with the right paperwork, your adviser might have to delay their recommendations until you provide your ID and documentation. They need your paperwork to determine your eligibility and circumstances to help you find the right mortgage deal.
Avoid delays: gather together all of these documents before your appointment to make sure you’ve got everything your mortgage adviser needs to give you the best service and most comprehensive advice possible.
Identification documents
You’ll need to prove your identity with recognised identification documents. This is usually your driving licence or your current passport.
If you’re not a British citizen, you may also need to provide further documentation such as your right to remain in the UK, a valid work permit, or marriage certificate to a British national.
Evidence of your current address
Some of the documentation you provide, such as your driving licence or bank statements, will have your current address on them.
However, it’s best to bring along a couple of utility bills, council tax bills, or formal letters in your name to your current address, too.
Proof of income
You, and your partner if you’re applying for a joint mortgage, will need to provide at least 3 months’ worth of your recent payslips. You also need to supply your most recent P60.
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to provide evidence of two years’ tax returns. If you don’t have this yet, speak to your mortgage adviser to find out more about self-employed mortgage requirements.
Bank statements and proof of deposit funds
Bring along at least 3 months’ worth of bank statements for each of your accounts. If your income fluctuates, such as if you’re employed on a bank or supply system, bring more – ideally 12 months’ worth to show your average income.
You’ll also need to show proof of your savings to show that you can afford the deposit on a house. When buying a property, your mortgage is released on the final purchase transaction – so you’ll need to have enough money to pay for the deposit on exchange of contracts.
A deposit is usually 10% of the total property price; however, it can be as low as 5% for some housing schemes or up to 20% for buy-to-let mortgages. The larger your deposit, the better mortgage rates you can access.
Print-outs from online statements might not be accepted by some lenders as evidence of your funds. You can ask your bank to send your paper statements – this may incur a small charge but will guarantee the statement will be accepted as suitable evidence.
Current mortgage statement
If you already have a mortgage on your existing property, bring along the latest mortgage statement.
Your adviser will be able to help you decide your options for finding a new mortgage deal based on your existing agreement, current circumstances, and future needs – such as buying a larger property to accommodate a growing family.
Your employer's sick pay policy
Mortgage providers want to know that, if you take long-term sick leave, your mortgage payments will be covered by sick pay.
Bring along a copy of your employment contract or handbook that outlines your company sick pay policy. If your company doesn’t offer extensive sick pay, don’t panic – there are additional insurances your mortgage adviser can talk to you about that’ll cover your payments in the case of long-term illness.
Details of existing insurance policies
Your existing insurance policies are a major expense – but offer protection against large unexpected costs. Life insurance, for example, can provide cover for mortgage payments should someone named on your mortgage agreement pass away.
In addition, alongside other household bills, such as utilities and council tax, insurance policies form a major part of your monthly expenses. Your mortgage adviser can use these payments to assess your affordability for a mortgage to make sure they’re recommending the most suitable deal options to you.
Book an appointment with your local mortgage adviser in Leeds
When you’ve gathered your paperwork together it’s time to visit your mortgage adviser!
The Mortgage Advice Bureau have local experts in Leeds to help you learn more about your mortgage options and to guide you through the application process. Book your appointment today to get started with your next property purchase!
Find out more about our Mortgage Advice service in Leeds