What documents do you need to apply for a home loan in Australia?

A complete guide to the documents required for a home loan application in Australia — for PAYG employees, self-employed borrowers and investors.

By Jason Given · April 2026 · 5 min read

The four categories of documentation lenders require

Every home loan application requires evidence across four areas: identity, income, assets and liabilities, and the property being purchased. The specific documents required in each category depend on your employment type and the lender. Lendology provides a personalised document checklist for every client based on their specific situation and the chosen lender.

Identity documents

✓Australian passport or driver's licence (primary ID)
✓Medicare card, birth certificate or citizenship certificate (secondary ID)
✓Most lenders require 100 points of ID — a combination of primary and secondary documents

Income documents — PAYG employees

✓Two most recent payslips (within the last 60 days)
✓Most recent group certificate or payment summary (PAYG Summary)
✓Most recent tax return and notice of assessment (some lenders require this)
✓Employment letter confirming your role, employment type and income (for new employees or those with unusual income structures)
✓Bank statements showing salary credits for the last 3 months

Income documents — self-employed borrowers

✓Two years of personal tax returns and ATO notices of assessment
✓Two years of business tax returns (company, trust or partnership as applicable)
✓Two years of financial statements prepared by a registered accountant
✓Current BAS statements for the most recent four quarters
✓Accountant's letter confirming business income and trading status (required by some lenders)

Self-employed income documentation is the most common reason for loan application delays. Having two full years of tax returns lodged and notices of assessment issued before you apply makes the process significantly faster. Lendology reviews your documentation before submitting to identify any gaps.

Assets and liabilities documents

✓Three months of bank statements for all accounts (savings, transaction, offset)
✓Statements for any existing home loans, car loans or personal loans
✓Credit card statements showing limits and balances
✓Superannuation statements
✓Shares or investment portfolio statements (if applicable)
✓Rental income statements or lease agreements (for investment properties)

Property documents

✓Signed contract of sale (for established properties)
✓Building and land contract (for new builds and off-the-plan purchases)
✓Property address and details for the lender's valuation
✓First Home Owner Grant application (if applicable)

Frequently asked questions

How long does a home loan application take?

From document collection to formal approval typically takes 1 to 4 weeks depending on the lender and the complexity of the application. Lendology manages the process and follows up proactively to minimise delays.

Can I apply for a home loan before I find a property?

Yes — this is called pre-approval. Lendology submits a full assessment without a specific property, giving you a confirmed borrowing limit. Pre-approval typically lasts 90 days and can be renewed.

Do lenders check my bank statements?

Yes. Lenders review 3 months of bank statements to verify your income credits, assess your spending patterns against your declared expenses, and confirm your savings history. Lendology reviews your statements before submission to identify anything that might raise questions.

What if I am missing some documents?

Some lenders offer low documentation loans for borrowers who cannot provide standard income documentation — particularly self-employed borrowers. These typically require a higher deposit and carry a higher rate. Lendology identifies the right lender for your documentation situation.