What Documents Do I Need To Sell My House?

When selling your home, having the right documents in place is crucial to avoid delays and ensure a smooth process. From your property title to energy performance certificates, buyers and solicitors will need various pieces of paperwork to proceed. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about the documents required to sell your house.

Essential Documents to Sell Your House

1. Proof of Identity

To comply with anti-money laundering regulations, you’ll need to provide proof of your identity. This typically includes:

A valid passport or driving licence.
A recent utility bill or bank statement showing your address.

2. Title Deeds

Your title deeds confirm that you own the property. If you don’t have them, don’t worry – your solicitor or conveyancer can obtain an official copy from HM Land Registry.

3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

An EPC is legally required when selling property. It rates the energy efficiency of your home and must be provided to potential buyers. If you don’t already have one, we can assist you in obtaining this document.

4. Fittings and Contents Form (TA10)

This document outlines what is included in the sale of the property. It details:

Fixtures (e.g., light fittings, built-in appliances).
Items you’re leaving behind or taking with you.

5. Property Information Form (TA6)

The TA6 form provides essential details about your property, such as:

Boundaries.
Neighbour disputes.
Building work and planning permissions.
Utilities and council tax.

6. Mortgage Details

If you have an existing mortgage, you’ll need to supply details of your lender and the outstanding balance. Your solicitor will arrange for the mortgage to be paid off once the sale is completed.

7. Building Regulation Certificates and Planning Permissions

If you’ve made structural changes or extensions to your property, you must provide:

Planning permission documentation.
Building regulation certificates.
Guarantees for works such as double glazing or roofing.

8. Leasehold Information (if applicable)

If your property is leasehold, you’ll need to provide:

A copy of the lease.
Details of service charges and ground rent.
Management company contact information.

9. Gas Safety Certificate and Electrical Certificates

While not always mandatory, providing certificates for gas safety and electrical work can give buyers confidence in your property’s condition.

Why Are These Documents Important?

Having these documents ready speeds up the selling process and helps prevent unexpected issues. Buyers often have their solicitors scrutinise every detail, and missing paperwork can cause delays or jeopardise the sale.

We are your trusted estate agent, can guide you through the process to ensure everything is in order when marketing property for sale.

What Next?

Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. We’re here to help every step of the way. Whether you need assistance with documents or expert advice on marketing your property, we are ready to assist.

In the meantime, we’ve answered some of your common questions about documents needed to sell a house.

FAQs

1. What if I can’t find my title deeds? If you’ve misplaced your title deeds, your solicitor can retrieve a copy from HM Land Registry. Most properties in the UK are now registered electronically.

2. Is an EPC always required? Yes, an Energy Performance Certificate is a legal requirement unless your property qualifies for an exemption.

3. How long does it take to gather these documents? While some documents, like proof of identity, are readily available, others (e.g., title deeds or planning permissions) may take a few weeks to obtain. Start early to avoid delays.

4. Can we help with these documents? Yes, we can help you source and organise the required paperwork for selling property. Contact us to find out what we can do…..

Claire Heritage – Partner & Marketing Expert

☎️ 07894 561313

📧 claire.heritage@fineandcountry.com

Sam Funnell – Branch Partner

☎️ 07714 515484

📧 sam.funnell@fineandcountry.com