Which documents accelerate the approval of your mortgage?

In the fast-paced housing market of 2026, time is your most valuable asset. The mortgage application process is often seen as a bureaucratic obstacle course, but the speed of approval depends largely on the buyer's preparation. Lenders are now working with advanced AI systems that scan documents at lightning speed, but one missing signature or an outdated paycheck can delay the entire process for weeks. In 2026, where the reservation of financing is often under pressure due to short terms, a “ready-made” file is the difference between winning or losing your dream home.

Providing the correct documents in the correct format ensures that the bank's acceptor can immediately give a final agreement. In this article, we discuss which documents are essential to reduce the process to record time in 2026.

Proof of income: The basis of your file

Without a crystal clear picture of your income, no bank will issue a mortgage in 2026. The requirements for the paycheck have become stricter; everything must match the statement to the tax authorities accurately.

The most important documents in this category are:

• The employer statement: This will remain the most important document in 2026. Please note that it is filled in exactly in accordance with the lender's model, is no older than three months and is signed by the authorized person. A common mistake is that the signature's ink color is not blue or that corrections have been made to the form, which will immediately lead to disapproval in 2026.
• Recent paycheck: Provide the strip for the most recent full month. This must seamlessly match the amounts in the employer's statement.
• The Payroll Service Income Determination (IBL): In 2026, more and more banks will use the IBL, a digital source document from the UWV. If you pre-download this document via My UWV, the bank can often validate your income within a few minutes without the need for a paper employer statement.

Identification and personal status

While it seems simple, errors in identification documents are one of the biggest reasons for delay. In 2026, banks will only accept extremely high-quality digital copies with all security features visible.

Make sure you have a color scan of a valid passport or ID (no driver's license, as this will no longer be considered sufficient for all forms of mortgage in 2026). Remember that both sides of the ID document must be scanned and that no fingers or reflections should be visible on the photo. For non-Dutch citizens, a scan of the residence permit (front and back) is essential. Civil status documents, such as a divorce agreement or a copy of a prenuptial agreement, must also be present in the file if this affects the division of assets.

Financial liabilities and debt overview

Transparency will be the key to speed in 2026. The bank always checks with the BKR (Credit Registration Office), but if you provide the documents for current obligations yourself in advance, you prevent the bank from having to ask additional questions.

The following documents significantly accelerate screening:

• Overview of student debt (DUO): Since the new calculation method in 2026, it has been crucial to upload the current overview of your student debt. Banks look at the actual monthly payment, so a printout of your repayment schedule is necessary.
• Private Lease and Loans: Do you have a private lease car or a personal loan? Provide the contract and an overview of the residual debt. Even a credit card with a limit that you never use must be documented.
• Alimony: If applicable, provide proof of the maintenance obligation (for example, the divorce agreement or a bank statement).

The home and the valuation: The collateral

A mortgage is provided on the basis of two pillars: you (income) and the house (collateral). Once you have placed a bid, the documentation flow for the property should commence.

In 2026, many valuers will be working with “hybrid valuations”, but most mortgages require a fully validated NWWI valuation report. The process is accelerated if you give the appraiser the order immediately as soon as the purchase agreement has been signed. In addition, you must immediately upload the full purchase deed signed by both parties. If it concerns an apartment, the bank also requires documents from the Owners Association (VvE), such as the most recent balance sheet, the multi-year maintenance plan (MJOP) and proof of home insurance. In 2026, banks will also be strictly checking sustainability: the Energy Label must be final and up to date.

Wealth accumulation and own money

Since the regulations in 2026 require that buyers pay the buyer's costs (such as transfer tax and notary fees) entirely out of pocket, proof of own funds has been indispensable.

Under the anti-money laundering legislation (Wwft), banks must know where your money comes from. Therefore, provide recent bank statements from your savings accounts that show the purchase price. Is there a donation from parents? Then make sure that the “deed of donation” or written confirmation from the donors is already ready, including a copy of their ID and proof that they have the money. The clearer the origin of the money, the sooner the bank's compliance department gives the green light.

Insurances and pension statements

Although often asked last, pension details can delay the process at the end. Keep an up-to-date overview of Mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl, because in 2026, banks will not only see whether you can pay the mortgage now, but also whether this is still the case after retirement.

In addition, the bank may ask for a term insurance (ORV) quote or policy, especially if you buy with a partner and incomes vary significantly. In 2026, the ORV will no longer be mandatory for every mortgage, but having a health certificate or a current policy considerably accelerates final acceptance if the bank makes this a condition for the loan.

Collecting these documents before you make the winning bid ensures that your mortgage advisor can submit the file “completely” at once. In 2026, a complete file often means a binding offer within 48 hours instead of two weeks.