What are the documents I have to prepare before buying a house
By Homey
•
15 Oct 2025
So, you're taking the incredibly exciting step of buying a new home! It's a wonderful journey, but we know that the paperwork side of things can feel a bit like trying to solve a puzzle. But don't you worry, we're here to be your guide and make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Getting your documents ready in advance will make the whole process smoother and a lot less stressful. Think of it as packing your bags before a big trip – a little preparation goes a long way! Here is a simple guide to the documents you'll need to have ready.
1. Proving Who You Are: Your Identity and Address
First things first, your solicitor and mortgage lender will need to verify who you are and where you live. This is a standard legal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. It's as simple as it sounds!
Proof of Identity: You'll need a valid photo ID. The most common ones are:
A valid passport
A valid UK driving licence (photocard)
Proof of Address: You'll also need a recent document that confirms your current address. This could be:
A utility bill (gas, electricity, or water) from the last three months
A council tax bill for the current year
A bank or credit card statement from the last three months
Top Tip: Make sure the name and address on these documents match exactly what's on your application to avoid any delays. You can find more details on proving your identity on the GOV.UK website.
2. Showing You Can Afford It: Your Financial Documents
This is the part where you show your mortgage lender that you're in a good financial position to buy a home. It might seem like a lot, but it's all about giving them a clear picture of your finances.
Proof of Income:
If you're employed: You'll typically need your last three months' payslips and your most recent P60 form (which you get from your employer each year).
If you're self-employed: You'll usually need to provide your last two to three years of tax calculations (SA302 forms) and a tax year overview from HMRC. You can view and print these from your online HMRC account.
Bank Statements: Be prepared to show your last three to six months of bank statements for all your accounts. Lenders will look at these to see your regular income and outgoings.
3. The All-Important Deposit: Proving Your Funds
You'll need to show where your deposit money is coming from. This is another anti-money laundering check.
If your deposit is from your savings: You'll need to provide bank statements showing the money building up over time.
If your deposit is a gift: If you're lucky enough to have family helping you out, you'll need a signed letter from them confirming that the money is a gift, that they don't expect it to be paid back, and that they will hold no legal interest in the property. They will also need to provide their own proof of identity and proof of funds.
4. Other Important Paperwork
Here are a few other bits and bobs you'll need along the way:
Your Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP): This is a document from a mortgage lender stating that they are, in principle, willing to lend you a certain amount of money. It shows sellers that you're a serious buyer.
Details of Your Solicitor: Once you've chosen a solicitor or conveyancer, you'll need their contact details to hand.
Finding the right solicitor is a crucial step. It can feel like another big task, but it doesn't have to be. At Homey, we simplify this for you by connecting you with our network of trusted, expert conveyancers and providing a digital platform to manage all your documents securely. Visit our page at www.homey.co.uk/conveyancing to get a free consultation and find the perfect legal partner for your home buying journey.
And that's it! Getting these documents together might take a little bit of time, but once you have them, you'll be in a fantastic position to move forward with your home-buying adventure. It's all part of the exciting process of getting the keys to your very own front door.
Happy house hunting!
5. How Homey Can Help You
At Homey, we understand that the conveyancing process can be daunting. That's why we've leveraged technology to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our platform allows you to manage your entire conveyancing journey digitally, from start to finish.
We offer:
Free Consultation: We provide a complimentary consultation where our experts help you understand the conveyancing process, identify your specific needs, and assist you in finding and choosing the right conveyancer for your property type and situation.
Digital Workflow: Our intuitive online portal allows for secure document exchange, real-time updates, and easy communication with your chosen conveyancer, all from the comfort of your home.
Expert Guidance: Beyond just connecting you with a conveyancer, Homey acts as your advocate, guiding you through each step of the process and representing your interests to ensure a transparent and efficient transaction. We're here to answer your questions, clarify complex legal jargon, and keep your purchase on track.
Streamlined Communication: Say goodbye to endless phone tag and email chains. Our platform centralises all communication, making it easy to stay informed and address any queries promptly.
With Homey, you're not just getting a digital service; you're gaining a partner dedicated to making your homeownership dream a reality with confidence and ease.
