Getting your paperwork in order before putting your home on the market can save you valuable time later. Our residential conveyancing team regularly helps homeowners gather the right documents when they sell a house or flat, and we’ve noticed that being prepared often leads to smoother property sales with fewer hiccups along the way.
Documents You Need to Sell A House
Proof of Identity
Before you sell a property, you’ll need to provide valid ID documents to your estate agent, legal representatives and mortgage lenders. All UK property transactions require the following:
- A current passport or driving licence with photo ID
- A recent utility bill or bank statement (dated within three months) for proof of address
To protect against money laundering, it is required by law to check your identity during the sale of the property in the UK. You can check the proof of identity checklist to see what you need.
Title Deeds or Land Registry Title Documents
Your property’s title documents prove you legally own the property and outline any rights, restrictions or covenants that affect it. Most properties are now registered with HM Land Registry, which means the deeds are held electronically.
If your property is unregistered (typically older properties), you’ll need the original title deeds, which might be held by your mortgage lender or solicitor.
If you can’t find your deeds, don’t worry – your conveyancer can get official copies from the Land Registry. However, having these documents ready can help speed up the initial stages of your sale.
Shared Freehold or Leasehold Documents
The documents you’ll need to provide will differ depending on whether your property is freehold vs leasehold.
If you own a leasehold property – like a flat or apartment – your conveyancer can contact the freeholder or managing agent for leasehold details. They’ll need to provide:
- A copy of the lease
- Recent service charge statements
- Ground rent receipts
- Buildings insurance certificates
- Any correspondence with the management company or freeholder
For shared freehold properties, gather copies of the freehold title and any agreements between co-freeholders. These documents show potential buyers how the property is managed and what ongoing costs they can expect.
Property Information Form (TA6)
The TA6 form is one of the most important documents you need when you sell your property. It provides detailed information about your property, including:
- Boundaries and any disputes
- Building works and alterations
- Planning constraints
- Utilities and services, e.g. gas, water, electricity, cable
- Warranties for structural and electrical works, e.g. damp proofing, central heating, roofing, windows and glazed doors
- Any buildings insurance
- Parking arrangements
- Environmental matters, like if the property is in a conservation area or if any Green Deal efficiency measures are in place
If you’re selling a leasehold property, you’ll also need to complete a TA7 form, which covers specific details about your lease, service charges and management arrangements.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC shows how energy efficient your property is, with ratings from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). You must have a valid EPC before marketing your property, and it needs to be less than 10 years old. If you’ve bought your home in the last 10 years, you should have an EPC already.
If your certificate has expired or you can’t find it, you’ll need to arrange a new assessment by an accredited energy assessor. The certificate will include recommendations for improving your home’s energy efficiency and is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. If you don’t provide your certificate, you could be fined up to £5,000.
New Build Warranties
New-build conveyancing has specific requirements regarding warranties. If your home was built within the last 10 years, you should have a warranty from the builder or a warranty provider like NHBC, Premier Guarantee or LABC. This warranty typically provides protection against structural defects and poor workmanship.
Keep in mind that most new build warranties run for 10 years from the date the property was completed, not from when you bought it. If you’re selling within this period, the remaining warranty cover can be transferred to the new owner.
Gas Safety Certificate
While not a legal requirement for selling your home, having an up-to-date gas safety certificate helps reassure buyers that your gas appliances are safe and well-maintained. The certificate should cover all gas appliances, including boilers, fires and cookers.
A Gas Safe registered engineer can inspect your appliances and provide a certificate. Many buyers will request this before proceeding with the purchase, so having it ready can prevent delays later in the sale process.
Electrical Safety Certificate
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) shows that your property’s electrical systems are safe and up to standard. Like the gas safety certificate, this isn’t legally required for selling your home, but it’s increasingly requested by buyers.
The report checks all your installations, from wiring to consumer units, and highlights any potential safety issues. You’ll need two different certificates to prove any electrical work you had done on your home was performed by a registered electrician:
- The Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate
- The Building Regulation Compliance Certificate
Getting this done before a sale can prevent problems arising during surveys and give buyers confidence in your property’s condition.
FENSA Certificate for Windows & Doors
If you’ve had windows or doors replaced since April 2002, you should have a FENSA certificate for each installation. These certificates prove the work meets building regulations and energy efficiency standards.
If you can’t find your certificates, you may be able to get copies from the FENSA website. Alternatively, if the work wasn’t FENSA registered, you’ll need building regulations certificates from your local council.
Planning Permission and Building Regulation Certificates
If you’ve made any structural changes to your property, such as an extension, loft conversion or garage conversion, you’ll need the relevant paperwork. This includes:
- Planning permission documents
- Building regulations completion certificates
- Any engineering calculations or drawings
- Sign-offs from your local authority
These documents must show that work was done legally and to the right standards. Missing paperwork can cause problems during the sale, so dig these out early if you’ve made any alterations to your home.
Guarantees and Other Warranties
Hold onto any guarantees or warranties for work carried out on your property. These might include:
- Damp proofing treatments
- Timber treatment guarantees
- Roof repairs or replacements
- Kitchen or bathroom installations
- New appliances that will be included in the sale
Check whether these guarantees can be transferred to the new owners. Some companies require a transfer fee or paperwork to be completed, so it’s worth sorting this early.
Fittings and Contents Form (TA10)
Your conveyancer will provide a TA10 form for you to complete. This lists exactly what you’ll include in the sale – from light fittings and curtain rails to garden furniture and white goods. Being clear about what stays and what goes helps prevent misunderstandings with your buyer later.
Take time to fill this form in carefully. If you’re unsure whether to include something, discuss it with your conveyancer. Changing your mind about fixtures and fittings after agreeing on the sale can lead to disputes.
Other Documents
Your conveyancer might ask for additional paperwork depending on your property’s circumstances, such as:
- Party wall agreements with neighbours if you’ve carried out work near a boundary
- Conservation area consent for any external changes if your property is in a protected area
- Japanese knotweed management plans if the plant has been found on or near your property
- Asbestos surveys, particularly relevant for properties built before 2000
Thinking of Selling Your Home? Choose Triangle Legal Services.
Getting your paperwork right from the start can make all the difference to your property sale. With decades of conveyancing experience, we know exactly what documents you need and how to handle any complications that arise. We’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the UK sell their properties efficiently and with minimal stress.
Our team is always on hand to answer your questions and guide you through each step. Whether you’re selling a freehold house, a leasehold flat, or a newly built property, we make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Contact us today for a no-obligation conveyancing quote and discover why so many sellers trust Triangle Legal Services with their home buying and selling process.