General educational information only. Not financial advice.
Free Mortgage Readiness Checklist
Preparing for a mortgage application involves gathering significant documentation. This checklist helps you understand the standard items lenders typically look for.
ID and Personal Details
- Valid Passport or UK Photocard Driving Licence.
- Proof of right to reside in the UK (if applicable).
- Marriage certificate (if recently changed name).
Address History
- Full 3-year address history including postcodes.
- Utility bills or Council Tax statements from the last 3 months.
Income Documents
- Employed: Last 3 months of payslips and your latest P60.
- Self-Employed: Last 2-3 years of SA302s and Tax Year Overviews.
- Proof of any additional income (e.g., bonuses, overtime, or benefits).
Bank Statements
- Last 3-6 months of statements for all personal current accounts.
- Statements must show salary credits and regular outgoings.
Deposit Evidence
- Savings account statements showing the buildup of funds.
- Gifted deposit letter and proof of funds from the donor (if applicable).
Credit File Checks
- Obtain a copy of your statutory credit report (e.g., via Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion).
- Check for any errors in address formatting or linked associates.
Existing Debts and Commitments
- Details of all credit cards, personal loans, or car finance.
- Student loan repayment details.
- Child maintenance or childcare cost records.
Questions to Ask a Mortgage Adviser
- What are the total setup fees, including valuation and legal costs?
- Is there an Early Repayment Charge (ERC) if I want to switch later?
- Can I make overpayments, and if so, is there a limit?
Common Preparation Mistakes
- Taking out new credit (like a car loan) just before applying.
- Not being on the Electoral Roll at your current address.
- Large, unexplained cash deposits into your bank accounts.
Final Reminder
Lenders value consistency and clarity. Ensuring your documents match your application exactly can help prevent avoidable delays.
Get the free Mortgage Readiness Checklist by email.
We’ll use your email to send the checklist and occasional plain-English money-product education. You can unsubscribe at any time. We will not pass your details to advisers, providers or partners unless you clearly agree to that later.
LTV / Deposit Calculator
Use this educational tool to understand how your deposit affects your Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio.
Estimated mortgage amount: £0
Estimated LTV %: 0%
Formula: Mortgage amount = Value – Deposit. LTV = (Mortgage / Value) x 100.
Example: Property value £200,000, deposit £20,000, mortgage amount £180,000, LTV 90%.
This calculator is for general educational information only. It is not mortgage advice and does not tell you whether you will be accepted for a mortgage.
Protection Questions Checklist
General educational information only. Not insurance advice or personal recommendations.
1. Assessing Your Needs
Who might rely on your income? Consider partners, children, or other family members who depend on your earnings for their living costs.
What monthly costs would still need covered? Think about the mortgage/rent, utility bills, groceries, and childcare.
2. Understanding the Options
- Life Insurance: Typically pays out a lump sum if you pass away.
- Income Protection: Designed to provide a monthly income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Critical Illness Cover: Usually pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific serious illness defined in the policy.
3. Questions to Ask an Adviser
- Exclusions: What specific conditions or circumstances are not covered by this policy?
- Waiting Periods: How long must I be unable to work before the policy starts paying out?
- Policy Length: Does this cover me until the mortgage is paid off, or until I retire?
- Monthly Cost: Are the premiums “guaranteed” (stay the same) or “reviewable” (could increase later)?
4. Preparation & Mistakes
What to have ready: Details of your current gross income, existing employer benefits (like death-in-service), and a basic summary of your monthly outgoings.
Common mistakes: Not thinking through what costs may still need covered, or assuming that employer benefits provide enough protection for all your needs.
Final Reminder: Always speak to an FCA-authorised adviser or provider to receive personal guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Mortgage Prep Pack (Coming Soon)
Coming soon: a practical educational pack to help you organise your thoughts, documents and questions before speaking to a mortgage adviser.
This low-cost downloadable educational pack will include:
- Mortgage readiness worksheet
- Comprehensive document checklist
- Questions to ask a mortgage adviser
- Deposit and LTV explainer
- Credit file preparation checklist
- Monthly affordability planning sheet
- Plain-English mortgage glossary
- Common mistakes to avoid before speaking to an adviser
This pack will provide general educational information only. It will not provide mortgage advice or personal recommendations.
Mortgage Glossary
Base Rate: The interest rate set by the Bank of England which often influences mortgage rates.
Equity: The difference between the value of your home and the mortgage amount owed.
SVR: Standard Variable Rate – the default interest rate a lender moves you to after your fixed deal ends.