What documents do I need for a home loan?

The direct answer

For a standard PAYG home loan application you need identification (licence, passport), two recent payslips, your most recent tax return or payment summary, three to six months of bank statements for every account, evidence of your deposit and its history, and statements for every existing debt.

The standard document list for PAYG borrowers

The core documents for a salaried (PAYG) applicant are consistent across most lenders, though some ask for more than the minimum. Having everything ready before you apply reduces delays and gives your broker the best chance of submitting a clean application first time.

Two forms of identification - typically a current driver's licence and passport. If you only have one, your broker can advise on acceptable alternatives.
Two most recent payslips showing your employer name, your name, pay period, and year-to-date earnings.
Most recent Notice of Assessment or payment summary from the ATO, covering the last financial year.
Three to six months of bank statements for every account you hold - transaction accounts, savings accounts, offset accounts.
Evidence of your deposit - savings statements showing the balance history, or a letter from the person gifting funds if any part is a gift.
Statements for all existing debts - home loans, personal loans, car loans, credit cards, HECS/HELP balance if applicable.

Additional documents for self-employed borrowers

Self-employed applicants face a higher documentation burden because income is less predictable. Most lenders require two years of personal and business tax returns and corresponding ATO Notices of Assessment, two years of business financial statements (profit and loss, balance sheet), and evidence that the business is registered and trading (ABN registration, business activity statements).

If you have been self-employed for less than two years, options still exist - low-doc loans use alternative income verification such as an accountant's letter or six months of business bank statements. The range of lenders and rates available is narrower, but borrowing is still possible in many cases.

What lenders are actually looking for in each document

Payslips confirm your income is stable and your employer is genuine. Lenders look at your base salary, any allowances, overtime (typically averaged over 12-24 months), and commissions or bonuses (usually averaged or discounted). They want to see that your income is consistent, not a one-off.

Bank statements reveal spending habits and financial discipline. Lenders look for regular savings behaviour, responsible use of credit, no unexplained large deposits, and no regular gambling transactions or payday lending. The statements for your savings account are used to verify genuine savings - funds held for at least three months.

Statements for existing debts allow lenders to calculate your total financial commitments and assess whether you can service a new loan on top of what you already owe.

How to prepare documents properly - tips from a broker

Download statements as PDF files from your online banking rather than taking screenshots. Make sure every page is included and the file is not password protected. Name the files clearly so they are easy to identify (for example: "CBA Savings Statements Mar-May 2026.pdf").

If your payslips are printed and scanned, make sure they are legible and complete - both sides if the back contains relevant detail. Your employer's ABN should appear on payslips; if it does not, your broker may ask for an employment letter as well.

Collect everything before your first broker meeting. Incomplete submissions are one of the most common causes of delays in loan approval. Your broker will check your documents before lodging the application and flag anything that needs to be resolved.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How many months of bank statements do I need?

Most lenders ask for three months of statements for all transaction and savings accounts. Some lenders require six months, particularly for savings accounts to evidence genuine savings. Your broker will confirm what each lender requires as part of the application.

Are digital bank statements accepted?

Yes. Most lenders accept PDF statements downloaded from your online banking, provided they show your name, BSB, account number, and full transaction history for the period. Lenders generally do not accept screenshots or partial exports - the full statement file is required.

What if I changed jobs recently?

Lenders generally prefer at least three months in your current role before applying. If you changed jobs within the last three months, your broker will assess whether any lenders will consider your application or whether it is better to wait. A probation period does not automatically disqualify you, but it is a consideration for most lenders.

What counts as evidence of genuine savings?

Genuine savings are funds you have held or accumulated over at least three months. Bank statements showing a growing or stable savings balance over that period satisfy most lenders. Gifts, lump sum deposits, First Home Super Saver Scheme withdrawals, and grants are generally not considered genuine savings on their own, though they can contribute to the deposit alongside genuine savings.

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The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. Given Finance Pty Ltd (t/a Lendology) ACN 624 144 501 is authorised under LMG Broker Services Pty Ltd ACL 517192.