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MortgageOS
Documentation Guide

Self-Employed Mortgage Document Checklist

A comprehensive checklist of all documents you'll need for your self-employed mortgage application, organized by business type.

Updated January 20267 min read

Document Overview

Self-employed mortgage applications require more documentation than employed applications. This is because lenders need to verify your income independently, rather than relying on a simple employer reference.

Start gathering early

Begin collecting documents 2-4 weeks before you plan to apply. Some items (like SA302s if requesting by post) can take time to obtain. Having everything ready speeds up your application significantly.

Document Categories

Income Evidence

SA302s, accounts, contracts — proving what you earn

Identity Verification

Passport, driving licence, proof of address

Bank Statements

Personal and business, showing income and spending

Property Information

Details of the property you're buying

Sole Trader Documents

As a sole trader, your personal and business finances are closely linked. Lenders assess your income through your self-assessment tax returns.

Sole Trader Checklist

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Key Points

  • • SA302s should be from HMRC online or your accountant
  • • Tax year overviews must match the SA302 years
  • • Business bank statements show income regularity

Ltd Director Documents

Limited company directors need both personal and company documentation. Your company accounts are essential for income verification.

Ltd Director Checklist

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Key Points

  • • Company accounts must be certified by a qualified accountant
  • • For share of profit assessment, shareholding percentage matters
  • • Management accounts help if your year-end was recent

Contractor Documents

Contractors need to prove their contract arrangements and income history. Requirements vary based on whether you're inside/outside IR35 and how you operate.

Contractor Checklist

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Key Points

  • • Current contract must show day rate, client, and remaining term
  • • Contract history demonstrates income stability
  • • IR35 status affects how income is calculated

Property & Financial Documents

These documents apply to all applicants regardless of employment type.

Property Documents

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Financial Documents

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Gift deposits

If any part of your deposit is a gift from family, you'll need a signed gift letter confirming the money is not a loan and doesn't need to be repaid. Some lenders have specific templates for this.

Document Tips

1. Create a Document Folder

Set up a dedicated folder (physical or digital) for your mortgage documents. Organize by category: income, identity, property, financial. This keeps everything accessible when your broker or lender needs it.

2. Check Document Dates

Bank statements should be recent (within 3 months, ideally 30 days). SA302s should cover the required years. Proof of address typically needs to be dated within the last 3 months.

3. Use PDF Format

Save documents as PDFs rather than images. PDFs are clearer, easier to read, and maintain better quality. Most banks and HMRC offer direct PDF downloads.

4. Name Files Clearly

Use descriptive file names like "SA302_2024-25_JohnSmith.pdf" rather than "Document1.pdf". This helps your broker and speeds up processing.

5. Keep Originals Safe

Some lenders may request to see original documents (especially ID) during the process. Keep originals safe while using scans for initial submission.

Common Document Issues

IssueSolution
SA302 not availableFile tax return, or request from HMRC by phone
Accounts not yet certifiedAsk accountant to prioritize, or use draft with explanation
Bank statements incompleteDownload from online banking (full statements, not screens)
Contract recently endedProvide new contract or evidence of pipeline work

Ready to start your application?

Use this checklist to gather your documents, then get matched with lenders suited to your situation.

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Frequently asked questions