How to prepare your documents before applying
Having the right documents ready before you apply can speed up assessment and reduce delays. This guide covers what lenders typically ask for across different loan types.
Why documents matter
Lenders use documents to verify your identity, confirm your income, assess your expenses and understand your financial position. Incomplete or inconsistent documents are one of the most common reasons for delays. Preparing early helps avoid back-and-forth once your application is in assessment.
Identity documents (all loan types)
Australian passport or driver's licence (primary photo ID)
Medicare card, utility bill or ATO notice (secondary ID if required)
If not an Australian citizen — visa documents and residency evidence
Income — PAYG employees
2–3 most recent payslips
Most recent group certificate or payment summary (or last tax return)
Employment contract or letter of employment confirming role, salary and tenure
If recently started a new role — probationary period status matters to lenders
Income — self-employed or sole traders
Last 2 years of personal tax returns with ATO notice of assessment
Last 2 years of business tax returns (if operating through a company or trust)
Most recent financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet)
Last 4 quarters of Business Activity Statements (BAS)
Last 3–6 months business bank statements
ABN registration details
Assets and liabilities
Last 3–6 months bank statements for all accounts
Existing home loan statements showing current balance, rate and repayments
Statements for any credit cards, personal loans or car loans
Superannuation statement (sometimes required for larger loans or investment lending)
Share portfolio or investment account statements if relevant
Property documents
Contract of sale for the property you are purchasing
Council rates notice for existing properties used as security
Current rental lease agreements if the property is tenanted
Body corporate statement if purchasing a strata or apartment title
Tips for organising your documents
Use clear scans or photos — blurry or cropped documents cause delays
PDF format is preferred by most lenders and submission platforms
Make sure all documents are recent — some lenders require statements dated within 90 days
Label files clearly — e.g. 'Payslip_May2025.pdf' not 'Scan001.pdf'
Keep digital copies in one folder so you can resubmit quickly if needed
Common document mistakes
Submitting bank statements that show large unexplained deposits — be prepared to explain these
Providing payslips that don't match the name on your ID (e.g. maiden name vs married name)
Missing pages in PDF statements — some bank app exports cut off the last page
Providing outdated tax returns when a more recent lodgement has been completed
Forgetting to include all liabilities — undisclosed debts discovered during assessment can cause issues
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General information only
This article is for general information purposes only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It does not constitute credit advice, financial advice or a recommendation. You should consider whether this information is appropriate for your circumstances and obtain independent advice where necessary. K&M Solutions and Services Pty Ltd (ACN 649 305 126) does not hold an Australian Credit Licence.
This article is for general information purposes only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It does not constitute credit advice, financial advice or a recommendation. You should consider whether this information is appropriate for your circumstances and obtain independent advice where necessary. K&M Solutions and Services Pty Ltd (ACN 649 305 126) does not hold an Australian Credit Licence.