3 October 2026 market diary: prepare a first-home evidence file

“First home” sounds like a simple description, but a household should not treat it as proof that every housing programme or tax concession will apply. Different applications ask different questions, and the documents needed can vary. This retrospective diary focuses on preparation rather than promising eligibility for an individual buyer.

Create an evidence file with a contents page. Include the identity details the authorised institution requests, a clear income history and a list of any existing property interests that should be disclosed. Do not upload sensitive documents to every person who asks for them. First establish the recipient's role, the purpose of the request and the secure channel the organisation provides.

Resolve the awkward questions early

Consider two siblings planning to buy together. One has never bought property; the other may have an interest in a family home. They should describe that situation accurately to the relevant professional rather than selecting whichever answer appears more favourable on an application form. A written explanation and the supporting ownership documents can prevent a misunderstanding that becomes costly later.

For income, keep a short reconciliation beside the statements. A self-employed applicant might receive customer payments in one account and transfer money between accounts each week. Without an explanation, total inflows can look larger than actual earnings. Separate customer receipts, transfers and borrowing in the working notes. Ask the participating institution what evidence it accepts instead of manufacturing a salary-like pattern.

Maintain one reliable version

Use dated file names and preserve the originals. If a phone number, employer or business address changes during the application, record the update and tell the relevant parties. Keep a simple log of which documents were provided, to whom, and when. This helps the buyer respond precisely when someone requests an updated statement rather than sending the entire file again.

SJKP's official application information is linked as current further reading; it describes a route involving participating financial institutions and supporting documents. It does not mean a particular household is approved, nor does it establish a new event on this diary date. Before choosing a unit based on an advertised scheme, ask for the actual application pathway, the applicable conditions and the next decision point. A useful file reduces uncertainty. It should never be used to hide an inconvenient fact or imply that a professional decision has already been made.