What Is a Contract Pack When Buying a House?

Buying a house in the UK involves a detailed legal process, and one of the most important stages is when the buyer’s solicitor receives the contract pack from the seller’s solicitor. This pack forms the legal backbone of the transaction and contains all the essential documents and information needed to progress the sale. Without it, the buyer’s solicitor cannot begin their legal checks or raise enquiries, meaning the process cannot move forward.

Understanding what a contract pack includes and why it matters can help buyers feel more confident and informed during the conveyancing process. This article explains what a contract pack is, who prepares it, what it contains and how it affects the timeline of buying a home.

What is a contract pack?

A contract pack is a bundle of legal documents sent by the seller’s solicitor to the buyer’s solicitor once an offer has been accepted and the conveyancing process begins. It includes the draft contract of sale, information about the property and legal evidence of ownership. The pack allows the buyer’s solicitor to begin legal checks, raise questions and ensure that there are no hidden issues with the property before contracts are exchanged.

It is not a single document but a collection of paperwork that together provides a full legal picture of the property being sold. Each item in the pack is reviewed in detail by the buyer’s solicitor, who will raise enquiries if anything is missing, unclear or needs further explanation.

Who prepares the contract pack and when is it sent?

The contract pack is prepared by the seller’s solicitor. It is usually sent shortly after the sale is agreed and both parties instruct their solicitors. The speed at which it is sent depends on how quickly the seller’s solicitor can obtain the necessary documents and whether the seller has completed the required forms.

Delays at this stage are common if the seller has not prepared documents in advance, or if copies of title deeds or leasehold information need to be obtained. Buyers should be aware that their solicitor cannot carry out most legal work until the contract pack has been received.

What is included in the contract pack?

The contents of a contract pack will vary depending on whether the property is freehold or leasehold, but most packs will include the following core documents:

Draft contract of sale
This sets out the terms of the agreement, including the sale price, deposit amount, completion date and any special conditions. It will be reviewed and agreed by both sides before exchange.

Official title register and title plan
These documents, obtained from HM Land Registry, show who legally owns the property, what the boundaries are, and whether there are any rights of way, covenants, or restrictions that affect the land.

Property Information Form (TA6)
Completed by the seller, this form includes practical details about the property such as boundaries, disputes, works carried out, planning consents, services and connections, guarantees and insurance claims.

Fittings and Contents Form (TA10)
This form lists what is included in the sale, such as kitchen appliances, curtains, carpets, light fittings and garden items. It helps avoid disputes about what will be left or removed on completion.

Leasehold Information Form (TA7)
If the property is leasehold, this additional form is included to give details about the lease terms, service charges, ground rent and contact details for the freeholder or managing agent.

Copy of the lease
For leasehold properties, a full copy of the lease is required. This is a legally binding agreement between the leaseholder and freeholder and sets out the terms of ownership, rights and obligations.

Additional documents
The pack may also include building regulations approvals or planning permissions for any alterations, warranties or guarantees (such as for double glazing or damp-proofing) and any indemnity insurance policies if applicable.

Why is the contract pack important?

The contract pack allows the buyer’s solicitor to begin the legal checks that form the basis of the property transaction. They will review the title, check for legal restrictions, confirm the seller’s right to sell and ensure the property complies with current regulations. If there are any issues or missing documents, the buyer’s solicitor will raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor to get clarification or request further information.

Without the contract pack, the buyer’s solicitor cannot proceed with searches, raise meaningful questions or advise the buyer about the risks and responsibilities of the purchase. The exchange of contracts cannot happen until all documents are reviewed and approved.

How does the contract pack affect the timeline?

The speed at which a sale progresses often depends on how quickly the contract pack is sent and how complete it is. If it is delayed, missing key documents or poorly completed, the transaction will stall while further information is gathered. A well-prepared pack, sent early in the process, can help the buyer’s solicitor act quickly and keep the purchase moving.

Buyers should ask their solicitor to confirm when the contract pack is received and whether it includes all necessary documents. From that point, it can take several weeks to complete legal checks, raise enquiries and carry out searches.

Conclusion

A contract pack is a crucial set of legal documents sent from the seller’s solicitor to the buyer’s solicitor during a house purchase. It contains everything needed to begin the legal due diligence process, including the draft contract, property forms and evidence of ownership. While it is not a legal requirement for the buyer to see the entire pack, their solicitor must review it in full to protect their interests. Understanding what the contract pack includes and why it matters can help buyers follow the conveyancing process with greater clarity and confidence.