What documents do I need to apply for shared ownership?

Shared ownership document checklist

If you're thinking about buying a shared ownership home, getting your paperwork ready early can help make the process smoother when you find a home you'd like to buy.

The exact documents you'll need can vary depending on your circumstances, but most buyers will be asked to provide proof of identity, income, savings and affordability as part of their application.
 
You'll usually be asked to provide:

  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of address
  • Payslips and bank statements
  • Evidence of savings or deposit funds
  • Affordability assessment documents
  • Additional financial documents if you're self-employed
If you're buying with a partner, you'll both normally need to provide these documents.
Having these documents ready can help avoid delays later in the buying process. 

Common Questions About Shared Ownership Documents

When Will I Need These Documents?

You don't need every document ready before you start looking for a home. However, having your proof of identity, proof of address and financial information available can help speed up the application and affordability assessment process when you're ready to move forward.

Will We Both Need to Provide Documents if We're Buying Together?

Yes. If you're buying with a partner or another person, you'll both usually need to provide proof of identity, proof of address and financial information.

What if I'm Self-Employed?

You'll normally be asked to provide additional documents, such as SA302s and certified accounts. Your mortgage adviser will explain exactly what's required.

What if I'm Receiving a Gifted Deposit?

Additional documents may be required to confirm where the funds have come from and that they don't need to be repaid.

Do I Need a Mortgage in Principle Before Applying?


Not necessarily. While having a Mortgage in Principle can be helpful, your mortgage adviser will guide you through the affordability and mortgage process when you're ready to move forward.

Proof of Identity and Address

As part of the application process, you'll need to provide proof of identity and proof of address. This helps us comply with legal requirements and verify your details before progressing your application.

You'll usually need:

Proof of identity, such as:
  • A valid passport
  • A UK driving licence
Proof of address, such as:
  • A recent utility bill
  • A bank statement
  • A council tax bill
Documents used as proof of address should normally be dated within the last three months.

If you've recently moved home or aren't sure whether a document is suitable, our team will be happy to help.

Proof of Income and Savings

You'll also need to provide documents that confirm your income and employment so your affordability can be assessed.

This will usually include:
  • Your last three months' payslips
  • Your most recent P60
  • At least three months' bank statements showing your salary payments
You'll usually be asked to provide at least three months of bank statements, although requirements may vary depending on your circumstances.

If you're self-employed, you'll normally be asked to provide:
  • Your latest SA302s
  • Two years of certified accounts prepared by an accountant
These documents help your mortgage adviser understand your financial circumstances and assess what share of a home may be affordable for you.

Evidence of Savings and Deposit Funds

As part of your affordability assessment, you'll need to show that you have funds available for your deposit and other home-buying costs.

Our panel mortgage adviser will collect these documents as part of your financial assessment.

Examples might include:
  • Savings account statements
  • Current account statements showing available funds
  • Evidence of investments being used towards your purchase
It's also worth remembering to budget for additional costs such as solicitor fees, removals and any reservation fee that may apply.

Affordability assessment documents

As part of your shared ownership affordability assessment, your mortgage adviser will review your financial circumstances and supporting documents to understand what may be affordable for you.

This assessment helps determine:
  • How much you may be able to borrow
  • What size share may be suitable
  • Whether shared ownership is affordable based on your circumstances
  • Your likely monthly housing costs
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be asked to provide information about:
  • Existing loans
  • Credit card balances
  • Finance agreements
  • Other regular financial commitments
If you already have a Mortgage in Principle, this can be helpful, but don't worry if you haven't arranged one yet.

While we can't provide financial advice, we can recommend specialist mortgage advisers who understand shared ownership and can guide you through the process.

Application Forms

Once you've found a home you're interested in, we'll ask you to complete a Passport Application Form. This helps us understand your circumstances and assess your eligibility for shared ownership.

If you're applying for a new build home that's launched for sale, we may also ask you to complete an Expression of Interest Form so we know which home or homes you'd like to be considered for.

Completing these forms promptly can help keep your application moving, particularly where demand for homes is high.

Ready to apply?

Having your documents ready can help make the shared ownership process smoother when you find a home you'd like to buy.

If you're unsure what's needed, our Sales Team can answer your questions and explain the next steps. We can also put you in touch with specialist shared ownership mortgage advisers who can help you understand what may be affordable based on your circumstances.

Whether you're just starting your search or getting ready to apply, we're here to help.