Preparing for a home loan involves checking your records, understanding your commitments and gathering evidence of income. A credit score is one part of the assessment; lenders also consider their own lending criteria and your circumstances.
Check your credit report
Review your report for errors before applying and use the correction process if information is wrong. Credit applications and payment history can affect a score. Ask whether an enquiry involves a credit check before submitting several applications.
Understand late-payment reporting
A late bill does not automatically become a listed default. Reporting depends on the type of account and applicable rules. Pay on time where possible and contact the provider promptly if you are having difficulty rather than assuming one delay determines the lending outcome.
Review existing commitments
List loans, credit cards and other repayments, including limits on facilities you rarely use. Ask the lender how these are assessed. Avoid relying on one debt ratio or score as a universal approval threshold.
Prepare income evidence and a budget
Gather the documents your lender requests and explain changes in employment or income. A job change does not create an automatic refusal, but may affect what evidence is needed. Include purchase costs and ongoing housing expenses alongside repayments.
Sources and current guidance
Guidance reviewed 3 October 2026. Check the linked official information for your circumstances.
