Selling your home is one of the biggest financial and personal milestones you’ll ever face. From putting your property on the market to exchanging contracts, there are plenty of moving parts to juggle. Among the most important are the documents you’ll need to provide along the way.
Being organised with paperwork isn’t just a nice-to-have. It can save you weeks of delay, reduce the risk of your sale collapsing, and reassure buyers that everything is above board. In this guide, we’ll explain the essential documents you need when selling, why they matter, and how to prepare for a smoother move.
Why do documents matter when selling?
It’s easy to underestimate the role paperwork plays in a property sale. Viewings and offers often feel like the exciting part, while forms and certificates can seem like a distraction. But in reality, missing documents are one of the biggest causes of hold-ups and failed sales.
When you already have your paperwork ready, you give your solicitor and estate agent the tools they need to move quickly as soon as a buyer is found. Buyers will also feel more confident about committing if they can see the information they need upfront.
A little organisation now can prevent last-minute panic later. Think of it as laying the foundations for a smoother sale.
The essential documents you’ll need
Here’s a breakdown of the key paperwork most sellers need to gather.
Proof of identity
Your solicitor and estate agent must confirm who you are before the sale can proceed. This is a legal requirement to protect against fraud and money laundering.
You’ll usually need to provide:
- A valid photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence
- Proof of address, such as a recent utility bill, council tax statement, or bank statement dated within the last three months
Having these ready from the start avoids unnecessary delays.
Title deeds
Title deeds confirm that you are the legal owner of the property and therefore, entitled to sell it.
- If you bought recently, your solicitor can download an official copy from HM Land Registry.
- If you’ve owned the property for many years, you might have the original paper deeds.
- If you can’t find them, don’t worry. Your solicitor can request replacements, though it may take a little longer.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
By law, you need a valid EPC to market your property for sale. This report gives your home an energy-efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and suggests improvements.
EPCs are valid for ten years. If yours has expired, you’ll need to commission a new one before putting the property on the market. Most estate agents can help arrange this quickly.
Property information form (TA6)
The TA6 form is one of the most detailed documents you’ll complete. It provides your buyer with essential information about the property, such as:
- Boundaries and disputes with neighbours
- Building work, alterations, and planning permissions
- Guarantees and warranties
- Utility suppliers and service connections
- Parking arrangements
- Council Tax details
Accuracy is crucial. If details are missing or misleading, it could cause disputes, delays, or even legal action later.
Fittings and contents form (TA10)
This form sets out what’s included in the sale. It avoids arguments about what stays and what goes when you move.
For example:
- White goods, such as washing machines and fridges
- Curtains, blinds, or light fittings
- Garden features, such as sheds or greenhouses
Being clear from the start means no one is left disappointed or confused later.
Leasehold information
If your home is leasehold, you’ll need to provide extra details, including:
- A copy of the lease agreement
- Contact details for the freeholder or managing agent
- Ground rent and service charge information
- Building insurance policy details
- Accounts and budgets from the management company
These documents can take time to obtain, so it’s wise to request them as soon as you decide to sell.
Certificates for building work
If you’ve made changes to the property, whether an extension, a loft conversion, or replacement windows, you’ll need the paperwork to show it was done properly.
Keep hold of:
- Planning permission documents
- Building regulations approval or completion certificates
- FENSA certificates for windows and doors
These reassure buyers that any alterations are safe, legal, and compliant with regulations. Missing paperwork could make buyers nervous or even put them off altogether.
Warranties and guarantees
Passing on guarantees adds value and peace of mind for the buyer. Examples include:
- NHBC warranties for new-build homes
- Boiler service records and warranties
- Damp-proof course guarantees
- Roof work warranties
If you’ve had work carried out, always ask the contractor for paperwork and keep it safe.
Mortgage details
If you have a mortgage, your solicitor will need the details of your lender and the balance outstanding. When the sale completes, they’ll use this information to pay off the loan directly from the sale proceeds.
Related: Are you paying too much for your mortgage?
Documents you’ll need later in the process
Some documents don’t come into play until further along the journey. These include:
- The draft sale contract, prepared by your solicitor
- Transfer of ownership form (TR1)
- Redemption statement from your mortgage lender
Your solicitor will guide you through these as the transaction progresses.
How to prepare for a smooth sale
Being proactive with paperwork helps your sales progress with fewer hiccups. Here are some simple steps to get ahead:
- Keep your ID and proof of address in a safe, easy-to-find place
- Check if your EPC is still valid, and order a new one if needed
- Collect certificates for any building work as early as possible
- Request leasehold information packs without delay
- Be clear and honest when completing forms
- Store warranties and guarantees in one folder for easy access
Taking these steps early can make your home more attractive to buyers and give you the best chance of completing quickly.
Related: How to prepare your home for a successful sale?
Why being organised matters
Selling a home is often described as one of life’s most stressful experiences. While some factors like chain delays or surveys may be out of your hands, being prepared with documents is something you can control.
By showing buyers and solicitors that you’re organised, you set the tone for a positive transaction. Instead of chasing paperwork at the last minute, you can focus on the exciting parts of moving, like finding your next home.
Ready to move with confidence?
At Newton Fallowell, we put people at the heart of property. That means we don’t just list homes, we support sellers at every stage, including helping you get your paperwork in order. Our local estate agents know the Midlands inside out and will guide you step by step, from valuation to completion.
Start your journey today with a free property valuation.
