Your Mortgage Application Checklist: A Broker's Insider Guide
- Dylan Abbott
- 2 days ago
- 13 min read
Ever found yourself scrolling through Rightmove, picturing the housewarming party before you’ve even booked a viewing? You’re not alone. The dream of owning your own home is a big one—and knowing where to start can feel like the hardest part.
When it comes to securing a mortgage, a little preparation goes a very long way. Get it right, and what seems like a mountain now will soon feel like a smooth Sunday stroll (maybe even with a coffee in hand).
As a mortgage broker here at Delta Mortgages, I’m lucky to have helped hundreds of people across Dorset, Poole, Bournemouth and beyond turn that dream into a set of keys in their hand.
And along the way, I’ve seen what really helps make the mortgage application process simple, stress-free, and (dare I say) even enjoyable.
This is your insider guide: a mortgage application checklist packed with everything you need to know, and none of the stress you don’t.
In this post, I’ll break down:
What lenders need from you
What you should expect at every stage of the mortgage application process
How to make your application as strong (and smooth) as possible
So let’s get this mortgage journey started on the right foot.
What You Need to Apply for a Mortgage
When people ask me, "Dylan, what do I need to get a mortgage?" — my honest answer is: it’s not just about having the right paperwork in a neat folder. It’s also about making sure your finances, credit history, and personal circumstances are ready to impress a lender.
So, in this section, we’ll cover both:
The physical mortgage documents you’ll need
The financial position you’ll want to be in to boost your chances of getting approved
First up, the paperwork side of things.
Here’s what lenders usually need to confirm your identity and start your mortgage application:
Key Mortgage Documents You’ll Need:
1. Proof of ID
Your passport or a valid UK driving licence usually does the trick. It needs to clearly show your full name and date of birth.
2. Bank Statements
Typically your last three months' statements. Lenders want to see a steady income, responsible spending, and enough affordability to cover your future mortgage repayments.
3. Residency Card or Visa (if applicable)
If you weren't born in the UK or don't hold a UK passport, don't worry—you’re still very much able to buy a home here.
You’ll just need to provide a valid residency card or evidence of your visa status. (It’s about reassuring the lender, not putting up barriers.)
4. Recent Utility Bill
To double-check your current address. Make sure it’s dated within the last three months—council tax bills, gas, electricity, or water bills are all commonly accepted.
Each of these documents helps your lender confirm three key things:
✅ Who you are
✅ Where you live
✅ That you have a sustainable income to support the mortgage
And let’s be honest—when you’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, it’s good to know that everyone’s ticking the right boxes from the start.
If you’re applying for a mortgage in Dorset, Poole, Bournemouth—or frankly anywhere across the UK—getting this paperwork ready early can make the whole process faster, smoother, and a lot less stressful.
Show Me the Money! How to Prove Your Income for a Mortgage
Now for the important part: proving to a mortgage lender that your repayments will be affordable and sustainable over the long term.
This bit isn’t just about handing over paperwork—it’s about showing that your financial situation is strong enough for the lender to say “yes” with confidence. Whether you're applying for a mortgage in Dorset, Hampshire, Poole, Bournemouth or beyond, the rules are pretty much the same across the board.
Let’s start with what lenders want to see—and how you can show them.
Proof of Income for Employed Applicants
If you’re employed, lenders will usually ask for:
1. Payslips
Typically the last three months' worth. These not only prove a steady income, but also give lenders insight into any workplace benefits (like bonuses or overtime) or deductions (like student loan repayments).
2. Bank Statements
Bank statements back up your payslips, showing that your salary is consistently landing in your account. Lenders may also (very gently) glance at your spending habits. (A cheeky shopping spree now and then is fine, but regular gambling transactions or persistent overdrafts could raise eyebrows.)
3. Employment Contract
This is incredibly useful for someone transitioning from one company to another. There’s a common misconception that you have to be embedded within a job role for a certain amount of time before you can apply for a mortgage, but by using your employment contract we can prove to the lender that you will be starting a new job very soon and they can actually base their decision on the prospect of future earnings.
Proof of Income for Self-Employed Applicants
If you’re self-employed, there’s no stress—there’s just slightly different paperwork needed:
1. SA302s
These are your HMRC tax calculations showing exactly how much you earned in a given tax year.
2. Tax Year Overviews
These accompany your SA302s and confirm that the figures match up with what you’ve officially declared.
Depending on the lender (and your situation), you might need two or three years' worth of accounts. Some flexible lenders we work with in Dorset and Hampshire will accept just one year's figures if the circumstances are right.
Other Types of Income You Can Use in Your Mortgage Application
It’s not just salary that counts! If you receive regular, reliable payments, you may be able to include:
Child maintenance payments
Benefit income (e.g. Universal Credit, Disability Allowance)
Rental income from other properties
Investment income (in some cases)
The golden rule is that you must be able to evidence it—ideally via bank statements or official award letters.
How Lenders Use Your Income to Calculate Affordability
Now you know what documents you need, let’s talk about how lenders crunch the numbers.
Lenders use something called an income multiplier to work out how much they’re willing to lend you.
In simple terms, they’ll multiply your annual household income by a number between 2.5x and 5.5x—and sometimes even 6x with specialist schemes.
A few general rules of thumb:
Higher household incomes usually mean higher multipliers
Lower debts and fewer financial commitments help too
Stability (long-term employment or business success) is looked upon favourably
Example:
Earn £35,000 a year, and you might typically borrow between £87,500 and £192,500.
If you and a partner earn £70,000 combined, that borrowing potential could double.
Of course, it's not just about income. Lenders will also check your outgoings, any outstanding debts, childcare costs and general spending patterns to ensure your mortgage will be comfortably affordable, not financially overwhelming.
It’s all part of something called responsible lending. And while it might feel frustrating when you’re dreaming big, it’s ultimately about keeping you safe from overstretching.
💡Pro Tip: If you want to maximise your borrowing, tidying up your finances six months before applying (paying down debt, managing your bank accounts carefully) can make a real difference.
How to Build and Prove Your Mortgage Deposit (Without the Stress)
Now comes the part we all know is tough: the deposit.
It’s the reason you’ve sacrificed your daily Starbucks habit (or at least tried) and cancelled that fifth streaming service you never watch. (Yes, I’m so guilty of this)
Saving for a deposit can feel like a long, slow climb—but it’s one of the most powerful ways to show a lender you’re serious about buying your home.
The good news is that your deposit doesn’t have to come from just one pot.
It can be made up of:
Savings built up over time
Investments you’ve cashed in
Inheritance received from family
A gifted deposit from the Bank of Mum and Dad (or another generous soul)
You can use just one, or mix and match, and lenders are usually happy to accept it, as long as you can show evidence.
🧠 Think: bank statements, gifted deposit letters, or investment portfolio summaries.
What About Existing Homeowners?
If you're already on the property ladder in Dorset, Hampshire, Poole or Bournemouth, there’s another option: equity.
Equity is the difference between the market value of your property and the remaining balance on your mortgage.
When you sell, you can use that equity towards the deposit for your next home—or to boost your affordability when you remortgage.
Example:
Your current home is worth £300,000.
You still owe £180,000 on the mortgage.
You have £120,000 equity to put toward your next move.
Government Help: Lifetime ISAs (Not Help to Buy ISAs!)
A quick update: the Help to Buy ISA scheme closed to new applicants in 2019. But don’t worry—Lifetime ISAs (LISAs*) have stepped up.
Here’s how they work:
You can save up to £4,000 per tax year.
The government will top it up by 25%—giving you up to £1,000 free every year up to the age of 50. In some circumstances, withdrawal charges apply.
Funds can be used towards buying your first home (up to a property value of £450,000) or saved for later life.
If you already have a Help to Buy ISA, you can still use it. But for new savers looking to boost their deposit, a Lifetime ISA is now the way to go. But remember, the value of your investment can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed.
In short:
A bigger deposit = better mortgage deals, lower monthly payments, and a smoother application process.
Whether you’re stacking up savings in Hampshire or cashing in an investment in Bournemouth, showing strong deposit proof will give your mortgage application a serious advantage.
*Not to be confused with either of our Lisa’s (who are both equally lovely by the way)
In 2024, the average deposit put down by first-time buyers in the UK was £61,090, equating to 20% of the typical first home price of £311,034. This marks a £7,500 increase from the previous year.
Your Credit History: It's Not Just About the Number
After your deposit, your credit history becomes your second-best weapon when applying for a mortgage.
As intrusive as it might feel, your credit file gives lenders a snapshot of how you manage your money—and it plays a big part in how much (and even whether) they’ll offer you a mortgage.
Every lender has their own way of scoring applicants. Some are more conservative, preferring everything neat, tidy and by the book. Others are a little more flexible, willing to take a broader view of your circumstances.
But no matter which lender you apply with—whether you're buying your first home in Dorset, upsizing in Hampshire, or relocating across Poole or Bournemouth—they all want to see signs of responsible financial behaviour.
Now, don't get me wrong. If someone has missed a few loan repayments or picked up a County Court Judgment (CCJ) along the way, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the mortgage road.
There are experienced mortgage lenders and brokers—like us at Delta Mortgages—who work with people who have less-than-perfect credit.
However, it usually comes at a cost: lenders assess the risk and reflect it in the interest rate they offer.
In simple terms, if they see you as higher risk than Joe Bloggs down the street, they might still lend you the money—but it could be at a higher monthly repayment.
That’s where having the right mortgage adviser really matters. A good broker knows which lenders are more flexible with credit scores—and how to package your application to give you the best chance of approval (and a better rate).
If you're aiming for the best rates and the widest choice of lenders, it’s smart to get your credit report in good shape before applying.
That means:
Keeping up with all existing repayments
Making sure you're registered on the electoral roll
Avoiding maxing out credit cards or overdrafts in the months leading up to your mortgage application
Checking your credit file is quick and easy—it usually takes about ten minutes and can give you a clear picture of where you stand.
If you’re curious, you can check yours with services like CheckMyFile (they pull data from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion to give a fuller view).
It’s quick, simple, and well worth doing before you dive into the mortgage process with your broker by your side.
How Your Spending Habits Impact Your Mortgage Affordability
When lenders assess your mortgage application, it's not just about how much you earn—it’s also about how much you spend.
Your current financial commitments play a major role in deciding what a lender thinks you can comfortably afford.
This means taking a close look at your regular outgoings. Things like:
Credit card repayments
Car finance deals
Personal loans
And, yes, those seemingly never-ending student loan deductions too!
All of these costs allow the lender to calculate something called your debt-to-income ratio.
In simple terms, it’s the relationship between what you earn each month and how much you already have going out.
As part of the mortgage application process (whether you’re buying in Dorset, Hampshire, or further afield), the lender will ask to see your bank statements.
They’ll want to check your direct debits and standing orders—things like Netflix, gym memberships, car insurance payments—anything leaving your account regularly.
They’ll also cross-reference your payslips to spot any deductions like student loan repayments or workplace schemes.
Can Your Mortgage Broker Help Here? Absolutely.
At Delta Mortgages, we know how to present your situation in the best possible light to lenders.
If your current monthly outgoings are making affordability a bit tight, we can work with you to find solutions.
For example, if the repayments on your dream home would stretch you a little too much, we might suggest extending the mortgage term to bring the monthly payments down to a more comfortable level.
It’s a simple adjustment that can make a massive difference to how lenders view your application.
It all comes back to responsible lending—not just a tick-box exercise, but a way to protect you from financial strain in the years ahead.
With the right mortgage advice and a little careful planning, you’ll find it’s easier than you think to put your best foot forward with lenders.
Remortgaging or Buy-to-Let Properties: What Documents You'll Need
If you’re thinking about remortgaging—whether to lock in a better rate, borrow extra funds, or even inject a lump sum to pay off your mortgage faster—there’s some essential documentation you’ll need first.
The starting point is your latest mortgage statement.
This tells lenders (and you) exactly how much is left on your mortgage, what rate you’re currently paying, and any early repayment charges that might apply.
If you own multiple properties across Dorset, Hampshire, Poole or Bournemouth, mortgage statements are crucial for getting a full picture of what’s owed on each one—and how much equity you’ve built up over time.
Equity matters. The more you have, the more options you usually have when it comes to remortgaging or releasing capital for your next move.
When it comes to buy-to-let properties, things work a little differently.
The lending decision isn’t just based on your personal income—it’s also based on the property itself.
Lenders will look closely at:
The current market value of the property
The monthly rental income being achieved
As long as the rent meets the lender’s affordability calculations based on the property value, you’ll be one step closer to securing the remortgage deal you need.
If you're unsure what your rental coverage needs to be, don't worry—that’s exactly where having the right mortgage broker (hello 👋🏼) makes all the difference.
We’ll crunch the numbers, liaise with lenders, and help you package your application to show your properties (and your portfolio) in the best possible light.
How long does a mortgage application take through a broker?
Applying for a mortgage through a broker like us at Delta Mortgages is a bit like upgrading from a folding map to a satnav. You’ll still need to take a few turns, but you’ll get there faster and with a lot less stress.
On average, a mortgage application through a broker takes around 2 to 6 weeks from first chat to formal mortgage offer.
How long it takes depends on a few things, like:
How quickly you can provide the documents we need
How busy the lender’s underwriting team is
Whether the property valuation throws up any surprises (like a suspiciously sagging roof)
Here’s the general flow you can expect:
Decision in Principle (DIP): Usually within 24 to 48 hours once we’ve gathered your basic details.
Full Mortgage Application: Filed once you’ve found a property and agreed an offer.
Underwriting and Valuation: Typically takes 1 to 3 weeks—this is where the lender checks everything carefully.
Formal Mortgage Offer: If all goes well, your offer could land within 2 to 6 weeks of starting the process.
As your mortgage broker in Dorset and Hampshire, our job is to keep things moving, chase lenders when needed (politely, of course), and make sure you’re never left wondering what’s happening next.
✅ No endless waiting on hold.
✅ No filling out forms alone at midnight.
✅ No “computer says no” moments.
We’re here to smooth the way—so you can focus on house hunting (and maybe picking your first takeaway order for the new place!).
If you’re ready to get moving—or just want to know how quickly you could get mortgage-ready in Poole, Bournemouth, Hampshire or beyond—just give us a shout.
Why Use a Mortgage Broker? (We're Here to Help!)
So why use a mortgage broker, instead of trying to navigate this financial minefield alone?
The simple answer: because we’re experienced mortgage brokers, put on this earth to make one of the most stressful life decisions feel as easy and supported as possible.
At Delta Mortgages, we have access to over 100 different lenders—which means 14,000+ mortgage products to choose from.
This gives us the flexibility to tailor something perfectly to your specific circumstances, whether you're buying your first flat in Bournemouth, upsizing to a family home in Poole, or relocating across Dorset or Hampshire.
We don’t just find you a mortgage—we advise, support, and guide you through every step.
If you’ve got a burning question, give us a call. We’re here to help.
Torn between two properties on Rightmove? Send us the links—we’ll take a look and explain what you can expect in terms of mortgage affordability, running costs, and likely lender appetite for each.
Because the truth is: we worry about these things, so you don’t have to.
Buying or moving home is stressful enough.
Let us handle:
The paperwork
The conversations with banks and lenders
The liaising with solicitors
The chasing (politely but persistently!)
Our job as your mortgage broker and mortgage adviser is to make the whole journey smooth, calm, and maybe even a little bit enjoyable.
And if you’re ready to take the first step towards your next adventure, get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We’ll show you exactly how we can help you move forward—with less stress, more clarity, and the right mortgage for you.
Confidently Navigate Your Mortgage Application Checklist
I hope this (slightly riveting) read through the trials and tribulations of the mortgage world has helped you feel a little more prepared—and maybe even a little excited—for what’s ahead.
By getting organised early, having the right documents ready, and knowing what to expect, you’ll be able to navigate the mortgage application process with complete confidence.
And trust me: buying a home should feel exciting. With the right support in your corner, it doesn't have to be scary—it can be a smooth, rewarding experience from start to finish.
At Delta Mortgages, we’re always genuinely excited for our clients—whether you’re buying your first home in Dorset, remortgaging in Hampshire, or expanding your property portfolio in Poole or Bournemouth.
And remember, you’re not doing this alone.
We’re here to guide you, answer your questions (no matter how small), and handle the heavy lifting—so you can focus on the important bits, like choosing your new favourite local coffee shop.
If you’re ready to take the first step, give me a call on 0303 0033 606 or drop me an email at dylan.abbott@deltamortgages.co.uk for a free, no-obligation chat
I’d love to hear about your plans and help you get everything moving smoothly.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate buy to let mortgages.