A well-prepared application gets approved faster. Here's everything you need to gather before applying for a home loan.
Identity Documents
You'll need to prove who you are with:
- Driver's licence (current)
- Passport (current or recently expired)
- Medicare card
Lenders require multiple forms of ID totaling 100 points. Your broker will advise exactly what's needed.
Income Documents
PAYG Employees
- 2 most recent payslips
- Latest tax return (if available)
- PAYG summary or Income Statement from myGov
- Employment contract (sometimes required)
Self-Employed
- 2 years of personal and business tax returns
- 2 years of Notice of Assessments
- Business financials (profit & loss, balance sheet)
- ABN registration
- Accountant's letter (sometimes required)
Tip for Self-Employed
Lenders typically use your taxable income, not your gross revenue. Minimizing tax can reduce borrowing capacity. Discuss with your accountant before your next tax return if you're planning to borrow.
Asset Evidence
- 3 months of savings account statements showing deposit funds
- Share/investment statements
- Superannuation statements
- Vehicle registration (if owned outright)
Gift Funds
If receiving a gift for your deposit:
- Signed gift letter stating funds are non-repayable
- Evidence of funds transfer
- Sometimes: donor's bank statements
Liability Evidence
- Recent statements for all loans (car, personal, HECS)
- Credit card statements showing limits and balances
- Current lease agreement (if renting)
- Details of any child support obligations
Property Documents (After You Find One)
- Signed Contract of Sale
- Section 32 / Vendor Statement
- Building and pest inspection reports (recommended)
Preparing Your Finances
In the months before applying:
Do This
- Save consistently (shows good financial habits)
- Pay bills on time
- Reduce credit card limits
- Pay off small debts
- Avoid "buy now pay later" services
Avoid This
- Taking on new debt
- Changing jobs (if possible)
- Making unusual large purchases
- Unexplained cash deposits
- Gambling transactions
Next Steps
- Gather your documents
- Book a consultation to start your application
