When a property sale is agreed and both parties have instructed solicitors, the seller's solicitor prepares and sends a contract pack to the buyer's solicitor. This pack is the starting point for the buyer's legal investigation and contains the key documents needed to progress the transaction.

Contents of the Contract Pack

A standard contract pack typically includes the following documents. The draft contract, which sets out the agreed terms including the purchase price, the property being sold, the completion date (sometimes left blank at this stage), and the standard and special conditions of sale. The title documents, which for registered properties consists of the Land Registry official copies of the title register and title plan, showing who owns the property, what mortgages or charges are registered, and what the boundary of the property is.

The TA6 Property Information Form completed by the seller, which provides answers to standard questions about the property covering boundaries, disputes, planning history, alterations and consents, utilities, and other matters. The TA10 Fittings and Contents Form, which specifies what is included in and excluded from the sale. Copies of any planning permissions, building regulations completion certificates, guarantees, and warranties relevant to the property may also be included or provided subsequently as enquiries are raised.

What the Buyer's Solicitor Does With the Pack

The buyer's solicitor reviews the contract pack in detail. They check the title, identify any restrictions, covenants, or charges, and raise formal enquiries to fill any gaps or clarify any issues. They order the property searches from the local authority, water company, and environmental data providers. They investigate any concerns arising from the property information forms. Once all these investigations are complete, replies to enquiries are received, searches are returned, and the mortgage offer is received and reported on, the buyer's solicitor prepares a report on title and advises the buyer on whether they are in a position to exchange contracts.

Summary

A contract pack is the document bundle sent by the seller's solicitor to the buyer's solicitor at the start of the conveyancing process. It includes the draft contract, title documents, and the seller's property information forms. The buyer's solicitor reviews the pack, orders searches, and raises enquiries based on what it contains. Sellers can speed up the process by providing complete and accurate information and supporting documents as quickly as possible after sale is agreed.