What documents do I need for a home loan application?

You’ve decided to apply for a home loan. How exciting! 


Being prepared and having your documents ready can help things move faster and more smoothly. However, it can feel overwhelming when trying to get your head around everything you’ll need. To help, we’ve prepared a breakdown of all the documentation you can expect to submit when you’re ready for that big step in your property journey.


Here’s what your broker will need:


ID:

It is a legal requirement that you confirm who you claim to be to your broker. You must provide at least one primary document such as:

  • Australian driver’s licence
  • Australian passport

Or you can supply two secondary documents such as:

  •  Australian birth certificate
  •  Australian citizenship certificate
  •  Medicare card


Proof of income:

Your mortgage broker will have an obligation to verify that you will be able to afford your loan repayments based on your current financial situation. To assess this, you will need to supply documentation on your income and expenses such as:

  • Bank account statements showing salary credits
  • Payslips (for PAYG applicants)
  • Tax returns (for self-employed applicants)


Your financial position: 

Additional to your income, your broker will look at your overall financial position when evaluating your application. Essentially, they need to know if you own anything that is of considerable value (assets) and whether you have other debts (liabilities). Assets can include:


  • Vehicles
  • Shares


Liabilities can be classified as:


  • Existing home loans
  • Personal loans
  • Car loans
  • HECS debt


In most cases, the lender requires a minimum of 3 months of statements to verify ownership and account conduct of these liabilities.

It is likely that you will also be asked about your monthly living expenses, so that it can be assessed whether you will have enough to cover mortgage repayments. Living expenses can include items such as:


  • Groceries
  • Transport
  • Gas
  • Electricity
  • Water bills
  • Insurance
  • TV
  • Phone
  • Internet


To verify expenses the bank will look through your everyday spending account and will match this to the expenses that you have declared to your broker.


Evidence of professional body membership: (Chartered Accountants only)

It is essential that you provide evidence of professional body membership when applying for a home loan in order to access exclusive benefits specific to your industry, including:


  • Buying with a 10% deposit
  • Waived Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
  • No parental guarantor required


Check with your broker:

What you may need to submit to the lender can vary according to your individual situation, so it is always best to have a quick chat with your trusted broker ahead of time.


This will make your application process smoother, meaning you can access your dream home sooner!


Have a question about the home loan process? Speak to our friendly team today.

Can gambling impact your home loan application?

July 10, 2025
If you’re looking to buy a property, it’s important to remember that your gambling habits could be taken into account when you apply for a home loan. Your lender will look at any track record of gambling when assessing your financial situation and ability to repay the mortgage. Not only could gambling jeopardise your chances of being approved for a loan, but it could also impact your ability to refinance down the track. Understanding the process When you apply for a home loan, your lender will do an affordability assessment. As part of this, they’ll assess your income (from all sources) against your outgoings (your regular expenses). They’ll also likely check your credit score. If a lender sees evidence of regular gambling transactions as part of your expenses, it may be a red flag. They’ll look at how much money you’re gambling, how frequently you’re betting and what type of gambling you’re participating in. If it’s a small amount you’re gambling relatively infrequently for leisure, it probably won’t raise any alarm bells with the lender. The occasional Powerball ticket, for example, will be considered harmless. However, if it’s an ongoing habit that’s getting out of control, it could limit your ability to secure finance. How to turn things around There are steps you can take to try to maximise your chances of getting approved for a home loan if you do have a history of gambling. Domino your debts: Paying off your debts – whether it be credit card debt, car loan or personal loans – is a good place to start, as it shows you are able to manage your finances effectively. Budget and save: A strong track record of saving will go down well with lenders. Keep putting money aside regularly and grow your savings nest egg. Boost your credit score: You can access your credit score and credit report for free every few months. If you notice any errors in the report, contact the credit provider. The government’s moneysmart website offers tips on how to improve your credit score, such as lowering your credit card limit, paying your utility bills on time and keeping on top of credit card repayments. Stop gambling: If you think your gambling may jeopardise your home loan application, try to reduce or quit gambling. Seeking help There are many resources available to help you tackle a gambling addiction. GambleAware offers tools and support for those who are looking to stop gambling. The site includes a gambling assessment to see how the habit may be impacting your life, as well as research and links to gambling support groups. You can also get immediate support from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858. It’s free and confidential. Other options can be found on the Health Direct website . Like to talk through your finance options? If you’d like to know more about how your gambling habit may affect your home loan application, we’re here to answer your questions. Talk to us confidentially about your financial situation and we’ll help you work towards getting the finance you need.

Are you retirement ready? Planning for the next chapter

By Darcey Rizzuto • May 30, 2025
Retirement often conjures up images of afternoons on a golf course or adventures in a motorhome, of growing your own vegetables or spending quality time with the grandkids.