The Complete UK Mortgage Broker Document Checklist (2025 Edition)

A standardised document checklist is one of the most practical tools a mortgage broker or conveyancer can have. It reduces back-and-forth, sets expectations clearly with clients and ensures nothing gets missed when time is tight.

Why a standard checklist matters

The most common cause of delays in mortgage applications is missing or incomplete documents. A client who receives a clear list at the start of the process knows exactly what to gather. A broker who works from a consistent checklist is less likely to chase a document at completion that should have been requested at application.

The lists below cover the most common document requirements across UK residential mortgage applications. Requirements vary between lenders and case types, so always supplement this list with any lender-specific requirements.

Documents required for all applicants

These documents are required regardless of employment status or property type:

• Photo ID: valid passport or full UK driving licence
• Proof of current address dated within three months (bank statement, utility bill or HMRC correspondence)
• Three to six months of bank statements for all accounts used for income or regular outgoings
• Details of all existing credit commitments (credit cards, loans, car finance, hire purchase)
• Details of any other properties owned, including current mortgage balances

Additional documents for employed applicants

• Three most recent payslips (or four to six months for irregular income)
• Latest P60
• Employer reference letter if recently started a new role (some lenders require this)
• Evidence of regular bonus or overtime if being included in the affordability calculation

Additional documents for self-employed applicants

Self-employed cases typically require two to three years of evidence. The documents most often needed are:

• Two to three years of SA302s (HMRC self-assessment tax calculations)
• Corresponding tax year overviews from HMRC
• Two to three years of accountant-prepared business accounts (if the applicant operates through a limited company)
• Three months of business bank statements
• Accountant confirmation letter on firm letterhead (required by some lenders)
• Evidence of future contracted income if relevant (for contractors)

First-time buyer documents

• Proof of deposit: bank statements showing the full deposit amount and the accumulation of funds over time
• Gifted deposit letter from the donor if any part of the deposit is a gift, plus the donor's bank statement showing the funds
• Evidence of any Help to Buy ISA, Lifetime ISA or Shared Ownership purchase documents if applicable
• Confirmation of the property purchase price and solicitor details once an offer is accepted

Remortgage documents

• Most recent mortgage statement showing current balance and outstanding term
• Evidence of current property value if not being valued by the new lender
• Details of any secured loans on the property
• Current direct debit or payment history if the broker needs to evidence payment conduct

Buy-to-let documents

• AST (assured shorthold tenancy agreement) for any existing rental properties
• Rental income evidence: tenancy agreement and three to six months of rental receipts or letting agent statements
• Portfolio schedule if the applicant owns multiple investment properties
• Evidence of rental demand or rental valuation for the property being purchased if it is not currently tenanted
• Evidence of professional landlord status if being used for portfolio calculations

Documents brokers chase from solicitors and lenders

Document chasing in a property transaction does not stop at the client. Brokers routinely need to follow up with:

• Lenders: mortgage offer issue date and expected delivery
• Lenders: conditions attached to the mortgage offer requiring further evidence
• Solicitors: update on searches received and any queries raised
• Solicitors: exchange and completion date confirmation
• Estate agents: memorandum of sale and confirmation of agreed purchase price

Documents solicitors and conveyancers typically chase

For solicitors and conveyancers handling residential transactions, the document checklist extends further:

• Client identification: certified copy of photo ID and proof of address for all parties
• Proof of funds: source of funds declaration and supporting bank statements
• Signed client care letter and terms of engagement
• Freehold title information from Land Registry (TR1, title register and title plan)
• Leasehold information pack from the managing agent (if applicable)
• Replies to TA6 and TA10 property information and fittings forms from the seller
• Local authority search, water and drainage search, environmental search and mining search results
• Signed mortgage deed once the mortgage offer is received
• Replies to requisitions on title from the other side
• Buildings insurance schedule if required before completion
• Completed Stamp Duty Land Tax return details

How to chase these documents without the manual work

A checklist solves the question of what to request. It does not solve the question of how to keep track of what has arrived and what still needs chasing. That is where automated document chasing software makes the difference. CaseCaddy lets you create a case, assign items from a checklist to each party (client, solicitor, lender, estate agent) and then sends scheduled reminders automatically until every item is received.