What Documents Do I Need to Sell My House

Selling a house in the UK involves more than simply finding a buyer and agreeing a price. A range of legal and financial documents are needed to complete the process properly, and being prepared can help avoid delays during conveyancing. Whether you're a seasoned seller or moving home for the first time, understanding what paperwork is required will help you stay organised and informed throughout the sale.

Proof of Identity

Before anything else, your solicitor or conveyancer will need to verify your identity. This is a legal requirement to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. You will typically be asked to provide photographic ID such as a passport or driving licence, along with proof of address from a recent utility bill or bank statement.

Title Deeds or Proof of Ownership

Title deeds show that you legally own the property you are selling. If you have owned the house for many years, you may still hold the original paper deeds. However, most homes are now registered with HM Land Registry, and your solicitor can obtain a copy of the official title register and title plan. This information shows who owns the property and any rights or restrictions attached to it.

If the property is unregistered, your solicitor will need to track down the original deeds to establish ownership and register the property as part of the sale.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

An Energy Performance Certificate is legally required when selling a home in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It provides potential buyers with information about the property’s energy efficiency and typical running costs. The certificate must be commissioned before the property is marketed and made available to prospective buyers.

If your property has been sold or rented in the last ten years, there may already be a valid EPC on the government register. Otherwise, you will need to instruct a qualified assessor to carry one out.

Property Information Form (TA6)

The TA6 form is a detailed questionnaire completed by the seller. It covers general information about the property including boundaries, disputes with neighbours, utility services, parking arrangements, building works, planning permissions and guarantees. Buyers rely on this form to make informed decisions, and any inaccuracies could lead to legal problems later.

The form must be filled out honestly and as accurately as possible. If you’re unsure of any answers, it’s better to indicate that rather than guess.

Fittings and Contents Form (TA10)

This form sets out which fixtures, fittings and appliances are included in the sale. It covers everything from carpets and kitchen appliances to curtain poles and garden sheds. Completing it helps avoid confusion or disputes about what will remain in the house after the sale.

You can agree to leave, remove or offer items for sale separately, but this must be clearly stated in the form.

Leasehold Documents (if applicable)

If your property is leasehold, you will need to provide additional information such as a copy of the lease, ground rent and service charge statements, building insurance details and contact information for the managing agent or freeholder. Your solicitor may need to obtain a Leasehold Information Pack from the freeholder, which can take time and usually involves a fee.

Buyers will want to see that the lease has a reasonable number of years remaining and that there are no disputes or arrears associated with the leasehold.

Certificates for Building Work or Alterations

If you have carried out any structural changes, extensions, electrical work or window replacements, you may need to supply relevant certificates. These include Building Regulations Approval, Planning Permission documents, Part P electrical safety certificates and FENSA certificates for window installations. Buyers and mortgage lenders often require evidence that work was done to standard.

Missing documents may not halt the sale, but the buyer may request indemnity insurance or renegotiate terms.

Mortgage Redemption Statement

If you still have a mortgage on the property, your lender will provide a mortgage redemption statement showing the amount required to pay off the loan. This ensures the mortgage can be cleared on completion so that the buyer receives the property free of any charges.

Your solicitor will contact the lender to obtain this and arrange for the loan to be paid off when the sale completes.

Shared Ownership or Help to Buy Documents

If you purchased the property through a shared ownership scheme or used Help to Buy, you may need to provide additional documents from the housing association or government agency involved. These could include consent to sell, equity loan redemption figures or specific forms required by the scheme provider.

Conclusion

Selling a house in the UK involves a fair amount of paperwork, but being well prepared can help your sale progress smoothly. Key documents include proof of ID, title deeds or Land Registry records, an EPC, completed property and contents forms and any certificates for building works. Leasehold properties or homes purchased under government schemes may require further documentation. Working with a knowledgeable solicitor will ensure everything is in place and help you avoid delays or legal issues during the conveyancing process.