If you are looking to buy, you will likely need to arrange a mortgage. In most cases, the mortgage application process comes in two steps:

1. Determining how much you can afford and what type of mortgage you need
2. The lender conduction an affordability and suitability check on you

Both of these stages are important, as you would expect given the sums of money involved when applying for a mortgage. It is best to seek guidance from professionals and experts in the industry, helping you make an informed decision as to what you can afford, and what mortgage is best for your needs.

Prepare yourself for questions

As part of the mortgage application process, you should expect the lender to ask a variety of questions. If you can answer these confidently, while providing evidence that supports your application, you will enhance your chances of receiving an attractive mortgage offer.

You’ll be asked questions about your employment and income

Expect to be asked where you work, how much money you earn, how long you have been employed at your current work, and how your pay is derived. If you can prove you have been in steady employment with the same employer for at least two years, and your level of income suggests you can afford the monthly payments, you are more likely to receive a suitable mortgage offer.

If you are self-employed or you are a contract worker, you will need to provide additional evidence as to your suitability regarding the mortgage. However, there is an increasing array of mortgage offers suitable for people in these circumstances. If you make a robust application, there is no reason why your application shouldn’t be successful.

You’ll be asked about any debt you may have

You should expect to be asked about any recurring debts you have, such as car loans, student loans and credit cards. If you haven’t taken out credit in a while and your monthly debt payments account for a manageable level of your income, your application is more likely to be approved by lenders.

If your credit cards are close to their limit and a significant proportion of your income goes towards debt payments, you may not receive as attractive an offer as you would like.

You will also be asked about savings and assets

While lenders want to know about any debts you have, they also want to know about any savings or assets you have. If you have money in the bank or a savings account, it may lead a mortgage lender to look more favourably upon your application.

You should also expect to be questioned on the size of the deposit you can afford, and the property you intend to buy. The condition of the property affects how much a lender is willing to offer, so the property will be assessed before a decision is made. The size of the deposit is crucial because the more substantial the deposit, or the larger in comparison with the value of the property, the more likely the lender is to offer you an appealing mortgage.

While applying for a mortgage is often a stressful activity for applicants, you can minimise the stress and pressure you experience. If you thoroughly prepare yourself for what the application entails, and what lenders want to know about you, it helps you make a stronger application.

Applying For A Mortgage? Have These Documents Ready

It is natural for people to feel under pressure when applying for a mortgage. Given the importance of the mortgage in buying a home, you want to make a positive impression and present a robust application which persuades lenders to offer you an affordable mortgage. To support your claim, you should provide documents which detail your employment history, income and suitability for the loan.

By preparing these documents, you can speed up the process, and you can make the most compelling argument in support of your application.

Proof of identity such as a passport or a driving licence

All mortgage lenders must prove you are who you claim to be. Therefore, you will be asked to verify your identity, and the most effective way of doing so is to provide a passport or driving licence as part of your application.

Proof of income

You need to show you receive regular income, and there is a variety of documents to support your claim. As a minimum, you should supply your three most recent payslips, and bank statements for at least three months. If you can prepare six months’ worth of bank statements, it is worth doing so if it will strengthen your application.

You should also provide a P60 from your employer if possible.

If you are self-employed, you should provide additional documents

While being self-employed makes the mortgage application process more challenging, it is far from an insurmountable challenge. However, in addition to bank statements, you should provide additional information to support your application.

It would be of benefit to provide accountant statements for two to three years. You should also look to provide the relevant tax return form (SA302) to support your claim. If you have more than one source of income, you should look to provide this statement.

If you receive benefits, you should provide proof of these benefits.

Utility bills

Mortgage lenders like to review utility bills for several reasons. A key reason is utility bills, with your name and address on them, allows them to match you to your stated property. Also, utility bills are a necessary outlay each month or quarter for people, so these bills are an example of your outgoings.

While your bank statements will be reviewed to verify your income, they will also be considered to determine your outgoings. Also, if you have credit cards or debts, offer documentation about these. Having a credit card or loan debt is no barrier to arranging a mortgage, but it is best if you can prove you are on top of these payments and you are not close to your credit limit.

Compiling these documents will assist you in making your application, and help you form an opinion on how robust your application is. If there is anything you can provide which strengthens your application, it is worth preparing and submitting with your application.

Mortgage lenders have strict criteria, but if you can prove you meet their expectations, they are more than happy to offer funding. Therefore, the stronger your application, the more likely it is you will be successful, so take the time to collect as many documents as you need for your mortgage application.

If you’d like to get in touch with us to discuss all your possible options, we’re always here to help. With mortgage brokers in Woking and Camberley, you are never too far from mortgage advice.

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