What documents do I need when selling a property?
Having the relevant paperwork to hand before you start to sell your property is key to keeping the process on track, avoiding delays and reducing stress. Here’s Move Places’ guide to getting organised.
What ID documents will I need to provide?
Proof of your identity is one of the first things you will be asked for by estate agents, conveyancing solicitors and mortgage lenders. This is a legal requirement in order to protect against money laundering. You will need to provide photographic ID - a passport or a driving licence, for instance - and proof of your address, such as a utility bill. In many cases, only original documents will be accepted, so ensure you have them to hand.
You will also need to prove that you own the property you want to sell. The title deeds set out the ownership but if you do not have the deed in a paper form, your solicitor can obtain copies from HM Land Registry.
If you are applying for a mortgage for an onward purchase, expect to provide proof of earnings and deposit, so gather together payslips and a bank account statement that shows your lump sum of money. Remember, these documents should be in the full name that you are using to buy the property.
New forms to fill in
The Property Information Form TA6 is a 16-page form for sellers to complete and the answers will give detailed information about the property being sold. It covers all aspects of the property from boundaries and planning, to flooding and neighbour disputes. Leaseholders need to fill out the Leasehold Information Form TA7 too.
Sellers will also be asked to complete a fixtures and fittings form listing what comprises the sale and what you are taking with you. Your solicitor will send you a copy of these forms when you have instructed them to act on your behalf.
Paperwork you’ll need to dig out
You might have some documents from when you bought the property, such as your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), so track anything house related down. You will also need to find copies of planning permissions, warranties for appliances you are leaving, guarantees for work that has been carried out, FENSA certificates for window installations, service logs for items such as boilers and burglar alarms, and building regulations sign-offs too.
Your solicitor will advise you whether they will accept documentation electronically or if they need the originals. If originals are required, then deliver them by hand or by using a next-day signed-for postage service to ensure they arrive safely.
Lost documents? Don’t panic
If you’re struggling to find some documents, your solicitor may be able to advise you how to find them. For things like planning permission or building regulation sign off for an extension, your local authority should be able to help. Don’t forget to check your emails too, as documents are frequently sent digitally as a PDF.
Preparation is key
By gathering documents before your home is marketed, you’ll be able to share key information with prospective buyers and conveyancers right from the start. Don’t forget, the conveyancing process cannot start until the buyers’ solicitor has received the draft contract pack from the seller’s solicitor - the sooner you have all the information ready, the better.
Let us help guide you through the process
If the selling process is new to you, The Law Society website has examples of the forms to expect and the Move Places team is on hand to offer you guidance – feel free to contact us if you get stuck.