Missing documents are one of the most common reasons home loans take longer than they should. Getting your paperwork together before you apply makes the whole process faster and less stressful.
Here's what lenders usually ask for.
Identification
- Driver licence (front and back)
- Passport or birth certificate
- Medicare card (sometimes)
- Proof of residency if you're a permanent resident or visa holder
Income: PAYG employees
- Two most recent payslips (showing year-to-date income)
- Most recent PAYG payment summary or income statement, sometimes
- Employment contract or letter, if new to the role
- Bonus or overtime history, if relevant (often two years)
Income: self-employed
- Last two years' personal tax returns and notices of assessment
- Last two years' business tax returns and financial statements (company or trust)
- ABN registration
- BAS statements, for low doc loans
- Accountant's letter, for some low doc products
Income: other sources
- Rental income: lease agreements or rental statements
- Centrelink or family tax benefit statements
- Child support assessments or court orders
Savings and assets
- Three months of statements for savings and transaction accounts
- Evidence of genuine savings, if borrowing above 90%
- Gift letter, if family is gifting part of the deposit
- Superannuation statements, if using FHSS
- Statements for shares or other investments
Liabilities
- Statements for existing home loans (usually 6 months)
- Car loan and personal loan statements
- Credit card statements
- HECS/HELP balance
- BNPL accounts
Property documents
Buying: - Signed contract of sale - Deposit receipt - For a new build: building contract, plans and specifications
Refinancing: - Recent council rates notice - Current loan statements
Expenses
You'll fill out a living expenses form. Your bank statements support what you declare.
Tips for a smooth application
- Download statements as PDFs from your banking app
- Make sure statements show your name and account number
- Explain unusual transactions before the lender asks
- Keep documents current. Payslips older than 30 to 60 days may need updating
- Respond quickly to any follow-up requests
Why lenders ask for so much
Under responsible lending laws, lenders must verify your financial situation and make sure the loan isn't unsuitable. That means checking income, expenses and debts carefully.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upload documents online?
Yes. At Finfident we use secure document upload, so you don't need to visit an office.
How recent do documents need to be?
Payslips usually within the last month or so, and bank statements covering the most recent three months.
What if I'm missing a document?
Tell us. There's often an alternative, like an accountant's letter or employer confirmation.
Want a personalised checklist? Call Finfident on 0424 545 654. We'll tell you exactly what your lender will need before you start.
This article is general information only and doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Figures, rates and scheme rules are current as at October 2026 and can change. Finfident Finance Brokers (ABN 94 679 280 801) is Credit Representative 569374 of Outsource Financial Pty Ltd (ACN 131 090 705), Australian Credit Licence 384324.