What Documents Do I Need When Selling My Home? How can I get prepared? 

Here is a handy guide to getting prepared to purchase your new home or investment. Whether you have found your dream home via an online or traditional estate agent or off-plan it is good to be prepared and armed with the know-how to get you in to your new home! 

If you are well prepared, the whole process should run smoothly and without stress.

The first thing to do will be to appoint a conveyancing solicitor who should be able to run through all the technicalities with you and should help you every step of the way up until completion. A good solicitor will chase all the documents you need if you don’t have them easily to hand. Things will run more smoothly and quickly if you have all the documents you need, ready to go. We have a number of our trusted suppliers who could fit the bill, so just shout if you need some help. 

Here is a list of the main documents that you will be asked for, to help with your preparation:

Proof of Identity

Your solicitor will ask you to prove you are who you say you are, usually in the form of a passport, driving licence and proof of address.

Property Title Deeds

You will have received the deeds when you initially purchased your property. Often these are held with either your mortgage lender or the solicitor you used to purchase your property. Official copies can be obtained from the Land Registry.

Property Information Form (TA6)

This form must be filled in by the seller of a residential property. This will include information such as details of:

• the property boundaries and who is responsible for the upkeep of such, including fencing, hedging etc.
• details of any alterations or major works carried out at the property, outstanding planning consents etc.
• details of any listing status of the building if relevant
• disputes and complaints – either past or ongoing, such as with neighbours, local businesses etc.
• any warranties or guarantees that may be relevant to the building such as roofing, Building Regulations sign off/NBH Certificates, FENSA certificates for replacement windows etc
• details of any rights or agreements (informal or otherwise) that may apply – such as access via neighbouring property, parking access etc
• property insurance details to provide the new buyer with an idea of how much they will need to pay in future
• details of current service providers such as utilities (water, gas, electric, sewage tank maintenance – if relevant etc) as well as location of relevant points such as fuse box, water meters etc.
• environmental issues – risks of flooding, presence of Japanese knotweed etc
• details of any notices and proposals from neighbours, local authorities etc regarding any planning, construction or development within the vicinity of the property

• details of leasehold or freehold arrangements and any ongoing costs related to the property
• details of any occupiers who will be continuing to use the property after purchase
• You will need to request a management pack - this is obtained by the seller or by the sellers solicitor from the freeholder or managing agent, if the property is leasehold. The pack can take a while to arrive, so always request these in good time. 

Further information can be found on The Law Society website.

Fittings and Contents Form (TA10)

This form acts as a room-by-room inventory of all items of furniture or fittings that are to be included in the sale and should be checked off upon completion. This includes items such as washing machines, fridges, greenhouses, sheds, curtains, light fittings etc

Leasehold or Freehold Documents

This includes a copy of any lease agreement that relates to the property or share certificate if a company has been formed to manage any freehold.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

It is a requirement to include and EPC to assess the energy use and performance level of the property including any CO2 impact. A qualified assessor can be arranged to provide on if not held.

It may all sound overwhelming, but it isn’t as daunting as it sounds. With the help of a good solicitor, it may take some time, but should be plain sailing and you will be in your new home in no time with your feet up!

If you have used an online estate agent such as I Am The Agent, you will have saved thousands of pounds, as you haven’t had to pay the high percentage commission usually charged by your high street estate agent! Yet another cause for celebration, so feel free to spread the good news and tell your friends and family about the great value packages I Am The Agent have to offer.