Know exactly what lenders need before you apply. Getting documents ready in advance avoids delays and protects your application.
Contractor mortgage applications rely on document evidence more heavily than standard PAYE applications. This is because income is assessed differently — lenders need to see and verify the contract, the payment trail, and the track record. A complete document pack submitted upfront moves faster and avoids the back-and-forth that delays completions.
The documents required vary by contractor type. Day rate limited company contractors need different evidence to CIS workers, locums, or umbrella contractors. The checklist below covers all main contractor types.
Valid passport or driving licence. Must be in date.
Utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill dated within 3 months. Must match the address on your application.
Full statements showing all incomings and outgoings. Downloaded PDFs from online banking are accepted by most lenders.
Bank statement showing the deposit funds. If gifted, a gifted deposit letter from the donor is required.
Loans, credit cards, car finance, any other mortgages.
Full contract document showing: contractor name, day rate, start date, end date, end client or agency name. This is the primary income evidence.
Most lenders want to see at least 12 months of contracting history. Previous contracts or renewal letters covering that period.
Company account statements showing contract payments received. Must match the day rate on the contract.
Self-assessment tax calculations from HMRC for the most recent 1–2 tax years. Download from the HMRC online portal.
Accompanies the SA302. Also available from the HMRC portal.
Some day rate lenders do not require accounts or SA302 — they assess purely on current contract and bank statements. This varies by lender.
Issued by your main contractor(s) showing gross payment and 20% deduction. If you work for multiple contractors, gather statements from all of them.
Most recent 1–2 years.
Confirming the self-assessment position.
Confirming receipt of CIS payments at the gross figure shown on statements.
From all NHS trusts and agencies you work for. If working through your own limited company, company bank statements showing payments.
If available, evidence of upcoming locum bookings.
If self-employed or operating through a limited company.
Some specialist medical lenders request confirmation of professional registration.
Showing gross contract income and deductions. Key figure is the gross assignment rate before umbrella deductions.
Confirming the assignment rate and terms.
Confirming umbrella salary payments.
If your current contract is a rolling monthly, get a renewal letter or email from your agency confirming the ongoing arrangement before applying.
Log in to HMRC online and download SA302 for the last 2 tax years even if you’re not applying immediately. It avoids delays later.
Mixed business/personal bank accounts cause problems. If your contract payments and personal spending share an account, highlight the contract income lines clearly.
Unexplained large transfers into bank accounts within 3 months of application trigger additional evidence requests. Keep funds where they are until the application is submitted.
Bring what you have. We’ll tell you what’s missing and whether you’re ready to proceed.
Book a free call →Chris
CII CF1 · CF6 · ER1 — Contractor mortgage specialist
30 years inside UK mortgage lending. Chris has guided contractors through hundreds of applications — knowing what lenders need and how to present it is the difference between a smooth process and delays.
Page reviewed July 2026.