Gather This Before You Apply
Every lender wants broadly the same core documents to assess a mortgage pre-approval application: photo ID, proof of address, three months of bank statements, evidence of income, and evidence of your deposit source. Self-employed borrowers face a stricter, non-negotiable requirement of two years of financial statements and tax returns.
Having all of this ready before you approach a broker or bank shortens the whole process significantly, since incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of delay.
Standard Documents Checklist
What most lenders will ask every applicant for.
Photo ID
A valid driver's licence or passport.
Proof of address
A recent utility bill or official document confirming your current address.
Three months of bank statements
Showing your regular income, spending patterns, and savings history.
Income evidence
Recent payslips or an employment confirmation letter.
Deposit evidence
Savings history, KiwiSaver balance, or a signed gifting declaration if funds are gifted.
Financial Statements
Tax Returns
Incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of delay in a pre-approval application — gather everything before you apply.
Quick Summary
- Core documents: ID, address proof, bank statements, income and deposit evidence.
- Self-employed borrowers also need two years of financial statements and tax returns.
- Being organised upfront speeds up the whole pre-approval process.