Preparing For Your Mortgage – Documentation
Applying for a mortgage can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. One of the easiest ways to streamline the process is to have all the required documentation ready from the start. Banks and mortgage advisers will thank you for it, and you’ll avoid unnecessary back-and-forth delays.
Here’s your ultimate checklist of what to prepare when applying for a mortgage in New Zealand.
The Essentials: What Every Applicant Needs
While some documents vary depending on your employment status or loan structure, there are a few standard items that every bank will ask for.
Personal Identification
You’ll need a valid form of ID, such as:
A current passport, or
Driver licence and birth certificate
Proof of Income
Depending on how you earn, the documents vary slightly:
If you’re employed (PAYE):
Your three most recent payslips
Evidence of any bonuses or commission for the last two years (if you want them included in affordability)
If you’re self-employed:
Accountant-prepared financial statements (typically for the past two years)
Some banks may request a summary of earnings from Inland Revenue as well
Bank Statements
Three months of your spending account (the one your income goes into)
Three months of savings account statements, showing your deposit build-up or regular saving habits
A KiwiSaver statement (screenshot or PDF is fine), if you plan to use your KiwiSaver as part of your deposit
Gifted Deposits
If part of your deposit is being gifted by a family member, you’ll need:
A gifting declaration, signed by the donor (your broker can provide a template)
It might seem like a long list, but in practice, the banks are looking at four key things:
ID, income, bank behaviour, and proof of deposit.
Optional But Helpful Documents
While not required for pre-approval, providing the following documents can give your application extra strength—especially if you’re close to making an offer.
If you’ve found a property you’re keen on:
A copy of the auction pack, sale and purchase agreement, or tender documents. These usually come from the real estate agent.
If you’re buying through a trust:
A copy of the trust deed will be required. The bank needs to understand the structure and who the beneficiaries and trustees are.
If you have a student loan:
A screenshot or PDF of your student loan balance from the Inland Revenue website. This helps the bank accurately assess your monthly financial obligations.
If you’re buying an investment property:
A rental appraisal from a property manager or real estate agent showing expected rental income.
If the property is currently tenanted, provide the existing tenancy agreement if available.
The more complete your application, the faster the bank can process it—and the better your chances of getting that all-important approval.
One Step Closer to Your New Home
Being organised with your documentation shows the bank that you’re a serious and responsible borrower. It can be the difference between a quick approval and a drawn-out process. Your mortgage adviser can help tailor the document list to your unique situation and check everything before it’s submitted to the lender.
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