Practical preparation · General information, assessed individually
Explain the arrangement clearly
Start with who is giving the money and whether repayment, ownership or any other benefit is expected. Tell your adviser and solicitor about the actual arrangement before describing it as a gift.
- Record the donor’s relationship to the buyer.
- State the intended amount, currency and current location of the funds.
- Explain any repayment expectation or proposed interest in the property.
Build a document map
Funds and identity checks can require more than a statement showing today’s balance. Ask the professionals which evidence they need for this donor and this transaction.
- List the accounts the money has moved through.
- Identify the event that generated it, such as accumulated savings or an asset sale.
- Ask before arranging translations, certifications or transfers.
Coordinate the transfer
Use one action list for the donor, buyer, adviser and solicitor. A clear handover reduces the chance that someone assumes another person has answered a question.
- Confirm who requests and reviews each document.
- Use the agreed secure document route.
- Verify payment instructions directly with the solicitor before transferring money.
Bring to the first conversation
- Donor relationship and intended contribution
- Written explanation of any conditions attached
- A map of the accounts and origin of the money
- Questions about currency conversion or overseas evidence
Start with an outline. Send sensitive documents only through the secure route agreed with Jack.
Your questions, answered
Is a gift letter the whole evidence requirement?
Do not assume so. Ask the lender and solicitor for their case-specific requirements and keep the underlying records available.
Link to this answerShould the donor transfer the money straight away?
Agree the timing and destination with the solicitor and adviser first. Moving funds without a clear record can make the evidence harder to follow.
Link to this answerSources & further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. Preparation prompts are editorial checklists; follow the linked original for its scope and updates.
Prepared for Jack Cousins’s website · 12 October 2026. About Jack · How site content is prepared. Lender criteria and individual circumstances determine available options. This guide is not a mortgage offer or personal recommendation.