11 Documents You Need to Sell a Property

It’s no secret that selling a property can take a long time. But what if you could prepare in advance, book a house valuation, reduce the risk of delay and avoid any nasty surprises?

We’ve put together this guide on the forms you must complete, as well as the documents you'll need to help you along the way.

We’ve listed the types of documents you’ll need below.

1. ID and proof of address

You'll need ID and proof of address to start the process.

These ID documents are used in Anti-Money Laundering checks – they’re evidence of who you are.

You can usually use photo ID such as your passport or driving license, and proof of your address using a utility bill or a bank statement.  

2. Title deeds

Title deeds prove you own a property and will provide the history of who owned it before you.

Usually, these won’t be physical documents, as most Land Registry records are digital now.

Your solicitor should have sent them to you when you bought your home. If you can’t find them, check with your solicitor or mortgage company to see if they have them.  

3. Copy of the lease

A leasehold is a type of long-term tenancy in a property. It’s not the same as outright ownership. You’ll need to get a copy of your lease from your solicitor to proceed with your sale.

If you’re selling a leasehold property, you’ll need to find a copy of your lease – it should have been given to you by your solicitor when you bought your property.

Your local expert should list the type of property ownership (also known as tenure) in the property advert, stating how many years are left on the lease, the current ground rent, service charges as well as any planned increases.

Your solicitor will also request the leasehold information pack from your local expert.  

4. Management pack

A management pack offers the buyer details about how the property they want to buy is managed.

The documents help them to better understand what they’re getting into before they buy. It also helps clarify any ground rent or service charge fees and future works needed on the property.

If you’re selling a leasehold property, you’ll be responsible for purchasing a management pack. You should get in touch with your freeholder or managing agent early in the process to confirm the costs and find out the estimated timescales, as it can take weeks to get a management pack together.  

5. Property information form

Also known as the TA6 form, or a TA7 form if you’re selling a leasehold property.

You must complete this form by law. It will hold information about practical aspects like electricity and gas meters and who is responsible for boundary fences.

You must complete the form to the best of your knowledge and provide all the supporting evidence you can. You need to make sure you don’t include anything misleading or exclude anything the buyer needs to know.

If you give the buyer incorrect or incomplete information, they could claim compensation from you, or it may result in them losing confidence in the sale altogether.  

6. Fittings and contents form

Also known as the TA10 form.

This form sets out the fixtures and fittings you're including in the property sale. This can be anything from lights and curtains to white goods.

The buyer will need to read it and make sure they’re happy with everything you plan to take with you when you leave the property.  

7. Warranties

Warranties, receipts and guarantees will show proof you've been a responsible homeowner. It shows you’ve been proactive in fixing the property when something wasn’t right.

It’s a good idea to find copies of receipts or guarantees to show work that’s been carried out to improve or fix something in your home.

You should also keep any warranties you have for electrical goods or other fixtures and fittings you’re planning on leaving behind.

If the property you’re selling is a new build or under 10 years old, you should provide your solicitor with a copy of the Buildmark (NHBC) and any other new home policy documents. This document is designed to reassure the buyer that the developer will fix any defects in their new property.

8. Stamp duty receipt

Stamp Duty is a tax you might have to pay if you buy a leasehold or freehold property or land over £125,000 in England, unless you qualify for first-time buyer’s discount.

If you buy a property in Scotland, you’ll pay Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT). If you buy a property in Wales, you’ll pay Land Transaction Tax (LTT) instead.

It’s always the buyer who pays stamp duty. They’ll have 14 days after they complete on their purchase to pay. Their solicitor will usually calculate and pay their stamp duty bill on their behalf.

9. Indemnity insurance

Indemnity insurance is a policy to protect buyers against the potential costs of fixing problems with the property as the transaction progresses.

For a one-off payment paid by the buyer, they will get a policy that covers the costs if a third party makes a claim against any issues with the property they’re about to buy. For example, if you can’t provide them with a building regulation certificate, they could take out an indemnity policy. This will cover any future costs if their local authority pursues a claim because you didn’t have the certificate.

It’s a good idea to give your solicitor copies of any indemnity insurance if you’ve taken it out in the past. The buyer might want this policy to continue if it’s still valid.  

10. Energy performance certificate (EPC)

An EPC shows how energy-efficient a property is. The document will give the property a rating from A-G (A being the most energy efficient) and includes estimated energy costs and a summary of the property’s energy performance features.

An EPC will help the buyer to consider how much it would cost to heat and light the property they’re buying.

You must provide the buyer with an EPC by law.

11. Survey

If a buyer arranges a building survey, a surveyor will carry out an inspection on the property they want to buy. They will prepare a report on what they've found, stating any repairs or alterations needed.

There isn’t usually any paperwork needed from your side – it’s up to the buyer to keep a copy of the survey.  

Other documents you’ll need

It’s important to be up-front with any relevant facts about your property that could impact on the buyer’s decision to buy your home.

The more details and documents you can give to your solicitor, the better. The earlier you do this, better still. Your solicitor can then guide you on what they will need to pass on to the buyer.

We’ve listed the other documents and permissions you’ll need as a seller below.

Gas checks  

You’re not legally required to have a gas safety certificate when you sell your property. But we’d recommend having evidence to show the boiler is safe and regularly maintained. Not only is this important for your own safety, but it’s seen as a positive by buyers. 

Permissions and building regulation certificates  

If you’ve carried out changes to the property you’re selling, you’ll need to show evidence of: 

• planning permissions and Building Regulation certificates

• building or alterations carried out that you don’t have permission for

• unfinished building and alteration work

• listed building consent on interior or exterior works (if your property is a listed building)

• consent forms for certain works (if your property is in a Conservation Area)

• a FENSA certificate (if you had double glazing installed during the time you lived at the property).