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Mortgage application

What do I need to apply for a mortgage?

NatWest mortgages are available to over 18s. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Getting prepared for when you apply for a mortgage

Before you apply for a mortgage, it will be useful to have several documents to hand as well as having a good understanding of your finances to help prepare you for getting a mortgage.

Read on to find out what documents you may need to apply for a mortgage.

1. Check your credit report

You can view your credit score on our app or if you don’t have the NatWest app you can use various platforms such as Experian, Equifax or ClearScore.

There are ways to help improve your credit score (such as registering on the Electoral Roll at your main address) which you may want to try and tackle if you already know what your credit score is.

Credit score available once opted in through the app, to customers aged 18+, with a UK address and is provided by TransUnion. App available to customers aged 11+ with a compatible iOS and Android device and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

2. Proof of ID

A passport or driving license are the more commonly used documents for proof of ID but we will accept other forms of ID if you don't have these. You'll also need to make sure these documents are in date.

3. Proof of address documents

These can include council tax bills, utility bills, bank statements and should be dated within the last three months.

4. Evidence of where your deposit is coming from

This is important as lenders will need to see Proof of Deposit to understand where your deposit is coming from.

  • If your deposit is from your savings, you’ll need to provide evidence via bank statements and any large payments will need to be explained. The bank statements will also need to show your name and address.
  • Gifted mortgage deposits will usually require a signed letter from the person who is gifting you the money. At NatWest, we require a signed letter or email (no signature required) from the gifting party, confirming the gift is either non repayable or repayable. 
Find out more about mortgage deposits Open in new window

5. Proof of income

Payslips

Last 3 months payslips. If you have recently started a new job or changed salary, you’ll need to be able to provide proof of your salary.

If you would like us to consider any additional bonus payments or overtime we would need to see the corresponding payslips or the Year to Date figure on the payslip.

Bank statements

Last 3 months bank statements. This should be the account that your salary is paid into. This is to ensure figures match on payslips compared to the relevant bank account.

We may request to see bank statements from other bank accounts you hold to help us with eligibility criteria. To find out more about eligibility criteria, read our guide to mortgage eligibility.

We can also consider letters from managers or the business you work for if you are unable to provide payslips or bank statements.

6. Proof of expenses

As well as proof of income, expenses are also needed to ensure that the mortgage loan amount suits your lifestyle and requirements.

Lenders will look for any financial commitments that may have an effect on how much you can afford in relation to your monthly mortgage repayments.

What if I'm self-employed or a freelancer?

If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to provide the following additional documents required for proof of income:

Proof of income (2 years)

  • Certified accounts
  • SA302 form and tax year overview from HMRC
  • Business bank statements
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Getting a self-employed mortgage Open in new window

Looking to buy to let?

If you're looking for a property to let out, the mortgage process is very similar to the residential mortgage process but there are some differences regarding eligibility and criteria.

Find out more about how to buy to let or learn more about buy to let mortgage criteria.

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Find out more about buy to let mortgages Open in new window

Now you know what you'll need, why not start an Agreement in Principle?

It takes less than 10 minutes, plus you can save and continue from where you left off

It provides you with a personalised indication of what we could lend

Useful to show your estate agent that you're a serious buyer and gives you more confidence in the price of properties you can afford

Does not impact your credit score

You're not committing to get a mortgage with us but, if you do want one, then you'll need an Agreement in Principle first

Start an Agreement in Principle Open in new window
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Our Paperless Mortgage application

When you're ready to apply for a mortgage, you can now upload, view and sign all your documents online. 

Find out more about paperless mortgage applications

Need more information about mortgages?

First time buyers
Mortgage guides
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