Guides · May 2026
Home Loan Documents Checklist — Everything You Need to Apply
Most home loan delays happen because documents are missing or out of date at submission. Gathering everything before you apply removes the most common bottleneck — and in a competitive market, speed matters.
Why Documents Matter So Much
Lenders assess you across two dimensions: identity (who you are) and serviceability (can you repay). Every document in this list addresses one of those two questions. A missing payslip or expired licence can delay conditional approval by weeks — which in a competitive property market can cost you the purchase.
This list covers PAYG employees. Self-employed applicants need additional documents (last 2 years' tax returns + notices of assessment + accountant letter) — ask us for the self-employed version.
Identity Documents
All lenders require 100 points of ID. Standard combination:
• Australian passport (70 points) + driver's licence (40 points) — most common
• Or: driver's licence + Medicare card + a bank statement showing your name and address
• Foreign nationals: passport + visa grant notice
IDs must not be expired. Allow time to renew if yours is close to expiry.
Income Documents — PAYG Employees
Two most recent payslips — must show employer name, ABN, YTD figures, pay period, and gross pay. Payslips must be dated within 30–90 days depending on lender.
Most recent tax return + ATO Notice of Assessment — used to verify base income and confirm you're up to date with the ATO. The NoA must match the tax return year.
Employment contract or letter — required for recent starters (less than 6 months in role), probationary employees, or anyone on a non-standard arrangement. Must state base salary, position, and commencement date.
Bonus, commission, or allowance income: Lenders apply different rules. Generally requires 2 years of history showing in payslips + tax returns, with only the lower of the two years used for serviceability.
Bank Statements
3 months of statements for all transaction and savings accounts. Lenders are looking for: regular savings pattern, absence of dishonoured payments, no unexplained large deposits (potential undisclosed loan), and evidence of genuine savings (usually 5% of purchase price held for 3+ months).
Tip: most lenders now accept screen exports from internet banking — you don't need to go to a branch. Just make sure statements show your name, BSB/account number, and the full 3-month period with no gaps.
Liability Documents
Existing home loan statement (if refinancing or have investment property): must show current balance, rate, repayment, and lender. Usually 3 months of statements.
Credit card statements: Lenders assess your credit card limit as a liability at 3.8% of the limit per year — regardless of whether you pay it off monthly. A $20,000 credit card limit reduces borrowing capacity by approximately $40,000–$50,000. Consider reducing limits before applying.
Car loan or personal loan statements: 3 months of statements showing balance and repayment amount.
HECS/HELP balance: Available via your myGov ATO portal. Lenders assess HECS repayments as a reduction to your after-tax income, so this affects borrowing capacity.
Property Documents (Purchase)
Contract of Sale: Required once you've exchanged contracts. Your broker needs this to submit the formal application to the lender.
Building & pest inspection report: Some lenders require this for houses. Always recommended anyway — a $600 inspection can save you from a $100,000 problem.
Rental appraisal letter: Required for investment property purchases. Must be on letterhead from a licensed agent, dated within 90 days.
Quick Checklist Summary
☑ Passport and/or driver's licence
☑ Last 2 payslips (within 90 days)
☑ Last tax return + Notice of Assessment
☑ Employment contract (if less than 6 months in role)
☑ 3 months bank statements (all accounts)
☑ Credit card, car loan, personal loan statements
☑ HECS balance (from myGov)
☑ Contract of Sale (purchase applications only)
☑ Rental appraisal (investment purchases only)
We send every client a personalised pre-application checklist specific to their situation. If you're unsure what you need, a quick call or email is all it takes.
About the Author
William Zhu
Director, Bridge Finance. 8 years of mortgage broking + 5 years in construction. $600M+ settled. Access to 70+ lenders. MFAA member.
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© 2026 Bridge.Finance Pty Ltd ATF Zhu Family Trust. Credit Representative 567817 of Australian Credit Licence 384704. MFAA Member. AFCA Member.
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