The contractor mortgage documents checklist
Every contractor application needs ID, proof of address, proof of deposit and recent bank statements. The income evidence then depends on your type — a signed contract for day-rate contractors, finalised accounts for directors, or gross payslips for umbrella and CIS workers. Gather it up front and the process moves quickly.
What everyone needs
- Photo ID — passport or driving licence.
- Proof of address — a recent utility bill or bank statement.
- Proof of deposit — statements showing the funds and their source.
- Three to six months of personal bank statements.
Income evidence by contractor type
| Type | Primary income evidence |
|---|---|
| Day-rate contractor (IT, etc.) | Current signed contract + CV |
| Limited company director | 1–2 years’ accounts, SA302s + Tax Year Overviews, accountant’s reference |
| Umbrella employee | 3–4 recent umbrella payslips + contract |
| CIS subcontractor | 3–6 months’ CIS payslips/statements |
| Sole trader | 1–2 years’ SA302s + Tax Year Overviews |
- The four basics — ID, address, deposit, bank statements — apply to everyone.
- Income evidence is type-specific; bring the right set for your situation.
- Directors should line up an accountant’s reference early.
- Consistent, in-date documents are what keep an application on track.
A few tips that save weeks
- Make sure your contract is signed and currently in force.
- Keep bank conduct clean in the months before applying.
- Check names and figures match across all documents.
- If you’re a director, ask your accountant for a reference before you apply.
Not sure which set applies to you? Find your situation on who we help, or speak to an adviser who’ll send a tailored list.
Documents, answered
What documents does a contractor need for a mortgage?+
At minimum: photo ID, proof of address, proof of deposit, and recent bank statements. Income evidence then depends on your type — a current contract for day-rate contractors, accounts for directors, or payslips for umbrella and CIS workers.
How recent do bank statements need to be?+
Usually the last three to six months for both personal and, where relevant, business accounts. Lenders look for consistent income in and sensible conduct — avoid going over agreed overdrafts in the run-up to applying.
Do I need my contract to be signed?+
Yes. For contract-based lending the current contract should be signed by both parties and show your rate, term and the engaging company. A renewal or extension is fine as long as it’s in force.
What slows applications down most?+
Missing or out-of-date documents and inconsistent figures across them. Gathering everything up front — and having an accountant’s reference ready if you’re a director — keeps the process moving.