What do I need to apply for a home loan?

An approved in principle letter (also known as a pre-approval) gives you a clearer idea of what you can afford, based on the information you give us.

A conditional approval happens after we've validated and assessed your information, putting you in a stronger position when you make an offer.

A Home Lending Specialist can guide you through the process and talk to you about which letter might suit your needs.

Don't worry, it's simple stuff. It includes your:

• Name, date of birth, address and contact details
  
• Employment details
  
• Financial details (like income, assets, details of other loans and rental commitments).

Talk to a Home Lending Specialist

Once you've had an offer accepted on a property, or you're ready to proceed with your refinancing, we'll need a bit more information from you.

• Online – take a look at our range of loans and get started
• We’ll come to you – our Home Lending Specialists are here to answer all your questions and walk you through the process. Make an appointment using our online form or call 13 17 19​
  
• We’ll contact you – leave your details and we’ll get back to you
  
• Private Bank – if you earn over $250k individually, have $350k in joint income or $750k of lending, then you could benefit from our Private Bank service.
  

Verify your ID online

As part of your home loan application, you may be able to confirm your identity using digital verification (biometric ID). It's simple and secure. You'll need to take a selfie and a photo of your ID document to get verified online using your mobile phone.

If you need help or you'd prefer to confirm your identity in person, contact your broker or lender.

Verify your ID in person​​

Visit a participating Australia Post outlet to have your identity verified.

Use the locator to find your nearest participating outlet and bring your original ID documents and the Mortgagor Identity Verification Form.​​

Check the Mortgagor Identity Verification Form (PDF) to see what ID documents you’ll need to provide.​​

For more detailed information, see a handy list of ID we’ll accept.

Do you work for an employer? (PAYG)

If you earn PAYG income not paid into a Bankwest account you’ll need to provide two of your most recent consecutive payslips.

Do you own your own business or subcontract? (Self-employed)

We’ll need to see two of your most recent Notices of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office showing your earnings for these financial years. We may also need copies of your taxation and financial reports from your accountant. These must be from within 18 months of the application submission date.

Do you receive income from a…

• Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF)?
  You’ll need to supply the most recent SMSF member benefit statement and a letter from your financial planner or accountant. The letter needs to confirm you’re receiving payments from the fund and show your balance, minimum payment amount, tax and tax free components, and ‘pension’ status.
• Retail or industry superannuation fund?
  You’ll need the most recent statement of your super balance, including evidence of regular and ongoing payments. Where the payment amounts are not shown, we’ll also need three months’ statements showing the credits to your bank account.
• Pension?
  You’ll need your most recent pension statement showing current payments.
• Rental property?
  You’ll need a current, signed rental tenancy agreement or a rental statement from your managing agent from the past two months where the property is already held.

If you receive any additional income (such as Centrelink benefits or trust income) that you want to include on your application, we’ll need confirmation of this. Learn more about self-employed home loans.

We’ll need to see one month’s worth of statements for your everyday bank account. Already have a transaction account with us? Easily access a proof of balance or customised transaction summary – see how.

If you have any debts (like credit cards, store cards, car loans or home loans) outside of Bankwest, we’ll need to see a month’s worth of statements for each one. The statements must be from the last 45 days and show your:

• Name
• Account number
• Transaction history (including the loan interest rate, remaining term and interest only period where applicable).

If – like most people – you plan to pay a deposit, you’ll need to provide proof of your savings (such as your most recent savings account statement).

You’ll need to provide six months’ of recent home loan statements from your other financial institution. If you’re refinancing a personal loan or credit card as part of the loan, bring in your most recent three months’ consecutive bank statements for each debt. The statements must show the:

• Account holder name
• Financial institution name
• BSB and account number
• Transaction history.
  

We’ll need a copy of your fully signed offer and acceptance/contract of sale.

Learn more about construction loans and check out our full construction loan application checklist.

We’ll send your contract documents to you, which you’ll need to sign and return to us. You’ll need to provide building insurance documentation to us before settlement or – if you’re getting a construction loan – your final progress payment. Make sure you’re covered with home insurance options for home owners, landlords and renters.