Could a few missing documents add weeks to a home application — or stop it entirely?
This short introduction explains a practical loan preparation checklist that helps applicants gather the right documents in the correct order so their application moves smoothly.
It shows why lenders need clear evidence across identification, savings, income and existing commitments. They check credit history and use personal information under a Privacy Policy, so it pays to review and correct any errors first.
Applicants should expect requests for recent statements (often up to three months) and matching names and addresses across records. Lenders may ask for extra details beyond any checklist for verification.
Applying can take about 20 minutes online, and a home loan expert will call to outline next steps. Conditions, credit criteria and fees apply, residential lending usually excludes non‑residents, and rates can change.
Before you apply: what lenders check and why it matters
Before an application is assessed, lenders examine a range of information to confirm identity and financial suitability. They check credit records and account conduct to see if repayments and savings are consistent with the requested amount.
Applicants may need to provide recent statements dated within the requested period, and the same name format should appear across all documents to avoid delays. Lenders also verify income stability, existing commitments and whether the borrowing purpose fits responsible lending rules.
Some situations are more complex — for example, multiple income streams or company and trust structures — and extra documents may be requested. The lender’s Privacy Policy explains how they use and share information and how a person can access their credit details.
Rates and eligibility can change during a year or period, so it helps to review current products before you apply. If people need support, they can call 1300 304 660 (8am–8pm Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm Sat), 13 33 30, or visit a branch for help with their home loan enquiry.
Core identification and savings history documents
A concise set of ID and three months of savings statements makes verification straightforward.
Applicants should ensure the name and address on all documents match exactly. This includes statements, contracts and any statutory declarations. Dates must align so lenders can trace recent activity without gaps.
Provide statements for every savings account held with other banks or institutions covering the last three months. Show consistent deposits into the same bank account and avoid statement ranges that skip months.
Other proof of deposit is accepted but has rules. Gifts from family or friends must be deposited into the lender’s savings account before the application is lodged. Proceeds from asset sales require evidence of sale and bank deposits before they apply.
If funds are not yet in an account, a Statutory Declaration from the giver may be needed to verify the source. Lenders may also request extra documents, so organise ID, statements, tax and income records together to reduce follow‑up.
If they’re buying, align savings evidence with the expected price and deposit to show readiness for a home loan decision.
Proof of income and employment to support your loan application
Showing steady income and correct employment details speeds assessment and reduces follow‑up queries.
For salary or wages, provide two consecutive payslips that show income components and both current and year‑to‑date figures with the employee and employer name and date. Acceptable alternatives include an employment letter confirming role and gross wage, a current employment contract, a recent payment summary or a tax return or assessment notice.
Self‑employed applicants should supply personal tax returns and the latest Notice of Assessment for the most recent financial year, no older than 18 months at application time.
Where rental income applies, include a property manager’s letter for expected rental income on new purchases, or a Residential Tenancy Agreement plus recent bank statements or a rental statement for existing tenancies.
Centrelink recipients need a letter of entitlements and a printout of direct credits into their bank account. Commission and bonus earners should provide employer details for the last two years and matching tax returns. Maintenance must be shown with a Court Order, a Child Support Agency statement and six months of payment evidence.
Ensure all documents have matching names and aligned dates and periods to avoid delays in credit assessment.
Existing loans, credit and expense details to show your situation
A tidy summary of all credit, rent and household costs speeds assessment and reduces follow‑up questions.
Applicants should supply statements for other loans and cards not being refinanced. For most accounts include at least one continuous month and ensure the most recent statement is no older than six weeks.
For existing home or personal loans provide the last six months of statements. If a borrower plans to exit a loan early, note the original start date, full term and any early exit penalty.
Credit cards with a balance need six months of statements. If a card is cleared, attach the most recent statement to confirm the account status and remaining limit.
Rent or board can be shown with a current signed lease, a recent letter or rental ledger from a licensed agent, or bank statements covering two payment cycles. Board‑only arrangements may use a statutory declaration.
Include child support or maintenance via a court order or agency notice dated within 12 months, plus bank statements covering two payment cycles. List all ongoing expenses — utilities, rates, insurance, school fees, medical, transport and subscriptions.
Ensure names and dates match across every account, lease and notice. Summarise these commitments alongside stable income to give lenders a clear picture for home loans serviceability checks.
Borrowing purpose documents: purchase, construction, refinance or equity
Different borrowing purposes need different supporting papers to clear assessment quickly.
When buying an existing property or vacant land they should attach a copy of the Contract of Sale and a deposit receipt that shows the agreed price and balance owing. The front page of the signed contract is acceptable if it shows parties, price and date. Valuation is usually arranged by the lender, so focus on a clear contract pack.
For construction or renovation provide an itemised tender or quote signed by a licensed builder with licence number. It must be dated within the last 14 days and state the price will remain firm for at least 60 days. Include any deposit receipt and council‑approved plans and specifications before work starts.
Refinance applicants should supply six months of current loan statements with the last transaction no more than four weeks old. eStatements are fine, but include at least one original statement among them.
Equity release needs the most recent council and water rates notices to show property details and encumbrances. Paying out a joint owner requires a solicitor’s letter showing the amount, and a Court Order where family law applies.
For investment property evidence, add tenancy leases and rental statements or a property manager’s letter indicating likely rental income for a new acquisition. Align dates, months and any company details across all documents to avoid delays in the home loans assessment process.
Property, insurance and special cases to complete your file
Accurate title and insurance documents help lenders confirm security and move matters to settlement.
Provide the most recent council rates notice and a current building insurance policy for the property offered as security.
For strata units include a copy of the registered Strata Plan. Company title requires the Memorandum and Articles of Association, recent shareholder minutes, the share certificate and the company secretary’s contact details.
Where a company or trust will be the borrower, attach constitutional documents, the share certificate and the current Family or Unit Trust Deed so authority is clear.
Some buyers need special papers, for example a Solicitor Undertaking Letter in NSW. First Home Owner Grant applicants can ask the lender for help lodging the form when eligible.
For investment property include a tenancy lease and recent rental statements. For a new purchase, supply a property manager’s letter showing likely rent and any related account statements.
Ensure names and dates match across every contract annexure, notice and insurance policy. Attach recent months of statements and keep bank references clear to speed assessment.
Your Loan preparation checklist at a glance: timelines, next steps and support
A clear, organised file can cut follow‑up calls and speed an application to assessment. It usually takes about 20 minutes to apply online and a home loan expert will call after submission to explain next steps.
Respond quickly to any request to provide extra documents. Keep scans sharp, ensure details match across statements and forms, and gather recent months of statements, ID and purpose documents in one folder.
Track what was submitted with file names that state document type and date. For investment, rental or company cases, include any extra company or income papers you may also need.
For support or help call 1300 304 660 (8am–8pm Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm Sat), 13 33 30, or visit a branch or use the mobile lender finder. Conditions, credit criteria, fees and charges apply and rates can change, so stay responsive to keep the home application on track.
