“What do I need to sell my house fast?”
“I have no idea where to even start!”
Do you feel lost about selling your first home?
I’ve helped thousands of sellers get their paperwork right.
Most homeowners miss important documents when selling their house. Without the right papers, your sale could fail.
But don’t worry.
This guide shows you exactly what documents you need. You’ll learn which certificates matter most. I’ll reveal the essential paperwork checklist.
Plus, discover what most sellers forget.
Essential Property Documents
When selling your property, having the right paperwork ready can make the process smoother.
Getting these sorted early helps avoid delays later.
Land Registry Title Documents
Also known as Title Deeds. Get these from HM Land Registry’s online portal.
You can download them for £3 per document. Most properties in England are registered. Look up your property using your postcode on the Land Registry website.
Property Transfer Deed (TR1)
Your solicitor provides this standard legal form.
They guide you through completion. Don’t try to fill this in alone, ask your conveyancer for the latest TR1 version.
Property Information Form (TA6)
Your solicitor or estate agent supplies this essential form.
They can explain unclear sections. Keep maintenance records handy. Recent work details help with accurate answers.
Fittings and Contents Form (TA10)
Estate agents or solicitors provide this standard form.
List everything that stays or goes. Check each room carefully before filling it in. Clear details prevent buyer disputes.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Find if yours is still valid on the government’s register. If it’s out of date you can book an EPC assessment through an approved assessor.
No minimum EPC rating is needed to sell but you do need a certificate in date. Certificates cost between £60-£120.
Proof of Identity Requirements
Use your passport or driving licence for photo ID.
Get utility bills from your suppliers. Banks can provide statements. Documents must be less than three months old.
Building Certificates and Permissions (If Work Has Been Done)
Building certificates seem complex, but I’ll show you how to handle them.
Getting your papers sorted early makes selling much smoother. Your building control certificate is really important. I’ve seen sales fall through without this vital document. Check your local council’s website to get a copy.
If any significant work was done to your property then planning permission needs special attention. Your local authority usually keeps records online.
Here’s what I always check for my clients:
- FENSA certificates for any window changes made (since April 2002)
- Party wall agreements with neighbours (work on a shared wall)
- Building regulations for home improvements (extensions/ structural changes)
- Conservation area rules if they apply
I’ve found that missing certificates can delay sales. But don’t worry if you can’t find everything. I often help sellers get replacements.
Making Things Simple
Most councils respond within two weeks. I suggest starting this process early.
Keep digital copies of everything you find. I’ve learned that buyers’ solicitors often want multiple copies. Remember, some certificates might need updating. I recently helped a seller renew their building certificate and it only took ten days that they weren’t expecting.
Get in touch with your local authority first. They’re usually very helpful with document requests.
Safety Certificates and Reports for Your Property Sale
Having up-to-date safety certificates shows buyers your property is well-maintained.
These documents protect both you and potential buyers. Understanding which ones you need can save time later.
They are not all legally required documents.
But they can really help speed up the process and provide peace of mind to the buyers.
Gas Safety Certificate (essential if you have gas appliances)
Book a Gas Safe registered engineer for this yearly check.
Costs range from £60-£100. They inspect all gas appliances and pipework. Find approved engineers through the Gas Safe Register website.
Building Regulations Compliance (essential for significant improvements)
Get these from your local council’s building control.
Most work needs approval. Keep certificates from past improvements. Missing documents might need retrospective approval.
Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
Get this from a registered electrician after new work. Valid for large or small installations. Find approved electricians through NICEIC or ELECSA.
Certificates last until changes are made.
Electrical Installation Condition Report
Get this from a registered electrician after new work. Valid for large or small installations. Find approved electricians through NICEIC or ELECSA.
Certificates last until changes are made.
Boiler Service Documentation
Schedule yearly checks with a Gas Safe engineer.
Keep all service records safe. Most services cost £80-£120. Regular services help prevent breakdowns during viewings.
Asbestos Assessments
Older homes might need professional testing. Surveys cost from £200. Find licensed surveyors through the HSE website.
Only needed for pre-2000 properties.
Fire Risk Assessments
Hire qualified assessors for thorough checks.
Most homes need basic assessments. Costs vary between £150-£300. Vital for houses with multiple occupants.
Leasehold Property Requirements
Selling a leasehold property involves extra paperwork and checks.
Understanding these requirements helps avoid common delays. Early preparation of these documents can speed up your sale significantly.
Lease Agreement Details
Request this from your freeholder or managing agent.
Contains key terms and responsibilities for the property. Keep the original document safe. Most agents charge £20-£50 for copies.
Management Information Pack
Order this through your property management company. Contains service charge and maintenance details.
Costs vary between £200-£400.
Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
Service Charge Statements
Get these from your managing agent or landlord. Shows payment history and upcoming charges.
Keep all receipts for payments. Request current year and previous year’s statements.
Ground Rent Documentation
Contact your freeholder for payment records.
Shows your payment history and future costs. Keep recent payment receipts safe. Most charge £20-£30 for copies.
Share Certificate (If Applicable)
Find this in your property purchase papers. Shows ownership of freehold company shares. Request replacement from management company.
Usually costs £50-£100 to replace.
Leasehold Information Form (TA7)
Your solicitor provides this standard form.
Covers key aspects of leasehold ownership. Fill in with help from management company. Accuracy prevents future disputes.
Buildings Insurance Details
Get this from your management company.
Shows what cover exists for the building. Keep policy numbers and claims history. Request current certificate from insurers.
Warranties and Guarantees
Most buyers want to see these important papers.
Your building work warranties need checking first. Most are still valid for several years.
New build warranties are particularly important. I make sure my clients understand their NHBC coverage.
Here’s what I check for every property:
- All damp proofing paperwork and dates
- Window installation certificates (last 10 years)
- Proof of recent electrical work
- Heating system service history
I’ve learned that missing guarantees can worry buyers.
Making Sense of Certificates
Keep all your certificates in digital format. I find this makes sharing them much easier.
Check my complete house selling checklist for more detailed guidance. It covers everything you’ll need.
Missing some paperwork?
Don’t panic. I help sellers find replacements all the time, there are always solutions.
Recent electrical certificates are essential nowadays. Your central heating paperwork matters too so have the latest service documents ready.
Professional Services Required
I’ve managed hundreds of property sales since 2015. The right professionals make all the difference.
Your estate agent needs careful choosing. I always suggest comparing at least three different agents.
Getting a good solicitor speeds things up as poor conveyancing slow sales down… a lot!
Here’s who I recommend having ready:
- A Gas Safe engineer for safety checks
- An energy assessor for your EPC
- A reliable conveyancer for legal work
- A qualified surveyor if needed
I find most sellers forget about anti-money laundering checks. They’re essential nowadays (since 2018).
Making Smart Choices
Sometimes selling at auction works better. I still regularly use auctions but it can be a dive into the deep end if you haven’t done it before.
Your conveyancer needs property experience so always choose specialists rather than general solicitors.
Don’t skip the property survey. I’ve seen it save sellers from future problems.
And make sure to get your EPC sorted early.
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