Documents Needed to Sell a House: A Complete Seller Checklist
As anyone who has ever bought a property knows, house sales involve a lot of paperwork. When the time comes to sell a property, vital documents are also required.
Whether you’re selling your first flat to buy a family home, looking to downsize, or selling a property after the death of a loved one (known as probate), it’s helpful to understand exactly which documents you’ll need to access.
By recognising essential paperwork and gathering it as soon as possible, you can make sure your housing solicitor has everything they need to get your property sold with minimal delays.
Before your sale begins, use this checklist to see which documents you’re likely to need. Some documents apply to every sale, while others only apply if you’re selling a leasehold or share of freehold property.
| Document | Who needs it? | Required for every sale? |
| Proof of identity and address | All sellers | Yes |
| Title deeds or HM Land Registry title | All sellers | Yes |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | Most sellers* | Usually |
| Property Information Form (TA6) | Most sellers | Usually |
| Fittings and Contents Form (TA10) | Most sellers | Usually |
| Leasehold Information Form (TA7) | Leasehold sellers | Leasehold only |
| Leasehold Property Enquiries (LPE1) pack | Leasehold sellers | Leasehold only |
| Planning permission and Building Regulations certificates (where applicable) | Sellers who have carried out alterations | If applicable |
| Warranties and guarantees (e.g. FENSA, damp proofing, roofing, boiler installation) | Sellers who have relevant documentation | If applicable |
Why it’s important to get your house sale documents ready
For most homeowners, their property is their biggest asset, so it’s important to handle selling it with care. And that means making sure all paperwork is present, accurate, and ready for inspection.
Tackling missing paperwork is one of the most common causes of delays in the property selling process. To get started on the sale at all, property conveyancers need to complete compliance checks. They’ll also need to pass on important documents like safety certificates to the buyer’s solicitor. The longer it takes to collate this paperwork, the longer the sale can take to complete, increasing the risk of breaks in the property chain.
Before gathering documents, it’s also worth preparing for upfront costs such as solicitor fees, estate agent fees, and potential mortgage redemption charges, so you’re not caught off guard later in the process.
If you want to learn more about how long a house sale usually takes, check out our guide: The Complete Timeline of Buying a House with a Solicitor.
Essential house sale documents you need to sell your property
Before your sale can progress, your conveyancer will need a number of documents to verify your identity, confirm ownership of the property and gather information for the buyer. Some documents are required regardless of the type of property you’re selling, while others only apply to leasehold, freehold or share of freehold properties.
Documents every seller will need
Proof of identity and address
Before anything else, your estate agent and conveyancer will need to verify your identity in line with UK Money Laundering Regulations.
You’ll usually need to provide:
- A valid passport or UK photocard driving licence as proof of identity.
- A recent utility bill, council tax bill or bank statement (dated within the last three months) as proof of address.
If you’re an overseas resident selling a UK property, alternative forms of identification may be accepted. Take a look at our FAQs page for more details on suitable international identity documents.
Title deeds (or Land Registry records)
Your title deeds confirm that you own the property. The original document will usually be held by the conveyancer who handled the last sale of the property or by your mortgage provider. Most properties are registered with HM Land Registry, meaning physical title deeds are often no longer required. Your solicitor can obtain official copies electronically. However, if your property is unregistered, original paper deeds will still be needed and may take longer to locate.
Additional documents for leasehold properties
If you’re selling a leasehold property, your buyer’s solicitor will need extra information about the lease and how the building is managed.
You may be asked to provide:
- A copy of the lease
- A completed Leasehold Property Enquiries (LPE1) pack
- Service charge statements
- Ground rent information
- Buildings insurance details (where applicable)
- Details of any planned major works
- Contact details for the managing agent or freeholder
Obtaining the leasehold information pack can take several weeks, so it’s worth requesting it as early as possible to avoid delaying your sale.
Additional documents for freehold properties
If you’re selling a freehold property, there are generally fewer documents required than for leasehold sales.
However, depending on your property, your conveyancer may ask for documents relating to:
- Planning permission
- Building Regulations approval
- FENSA certificates for replacement windows
- Electrical installation certificates
- Gas Safe certificates
- Warranties for building work or damp-proofing
Providing these documents early can help answer buyer enquiries more quickly and keep your transaction moving.
Additional documents for share of freehold properties
Selling a share of freehold property often involves additional paperwork alongside the standard leasehold documents.
Depending on how the freehold is owned, you may also need to provide:
- Your share certificate
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (if applicable)
- Recent management company accounts
- Details of the management company
- Signatures or approvals from the other freeholders where required
Because multiple parties are often involved, obtaining these documents can take time. Starting the process early can help avoid unnecessary delays later in the transaction.
Important certificates for your house sale
There are several certificates required to show that heating and electrical installations have been fitted by registered professionals.
- EPC: Before putting your house on the market, you’ll need to apply for an energy performance certificate (EPC). This lets the buyer know how energy-efficient your property is, on a scale of A–G (with A being the most energy-efficient and G being the least).
- Building Regulations Compliance Certificate: Depending on the work carried out, your buyer’s solicitor may ask for Building Regulations Compliance Certificates covering electrical installations, replacement boilers, windows or other regulated works, which should meet British Standards.
- Boiler safety certificate: If you’ve had a boiler or heat-producing gas appliance installed, you may be asked for the Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. If you can’t find it, your solicitor can advise on the next steps.
- Electrical Installation Certificate: If electrical work has been carried out, especially notifiable work, your buyer’s solicitor may ask for an Electrical Installation Certificate, Minor Works Certificate or Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.
- FENSA certificate: You’ll need to show a FENSA certificate, which proves any windows on your property were fitted in line with UK Building Regulations and have been registered with your local council.
- Planning permission and building regulation certificates: If you’ve made changes such as extensions, loft conversions, or structural alterations, you’ll need to provide evidence of planning permission (if required) and building regulation approval from your local authority. Missing documentation in this area is one of the most common causes of delays in UK property transactions.
- Warranties and guarantees: Any guarantees for work carried out—such as damp proofing, roofing, or double glazing—should be provided. These can often be transferred to the buyer and offer reassurance about the condition of the property.
- Gas Safety Certificate: Although this isn’t a legal requirement, we highly recommend getting any gas appliances serviced annually and providing your property solicitor with certificates that confirm they are safe to use. This can give your buyer peace of mind.
House sale forms you’ll need to fill in
Along with providing safety certificates and ID documents, there are a couple of unique forms you’ll need to complete when selling your property.
Property information form (TA6)
Once you’ve accepted an offer on your property, you’ll need to fill out a TA6 form. Otherwise known as a ‘property information form’, this gives your buyer a comprehensive overview of your home.
It covers everything from your property boundaries and utilities to details on any building work that’s taken place and whether any insurance claims have been taken out.
The TA6 form will help your buyers decide whether to go ahead with the sale or reconsider, so it’s essential that it’s as detailed, accurate, and up to date as possible. Your property solicitor will be able to clarify which specific edition of the paperwork is required for your sale.
Fittings and contents form (TA10)
The TA10 is a form that lets the buyer know exactly what fixtures and fittings you plan to leave behind (this might be after negotiating with the buyer). Among other items, the list might include:
- Furniture, such as wardrobes
- Fixtures, including carpets and lighting
- Appliances
- Curtains and blinds
- Mirrors
- Garden sheds
- Garden furniture
Your solicitor will provide the appropriate version of this form and guide you through completing it accurately.
Additional documents for selling leasehold properties
If you own a flat or any other type of property with a leasehold, you’ll have an extra bit of paperwork to sort out when you sell.
You’ll need a TA7 form (Leasehold Information Form), which provides any details about the lease that a new owner will need to be aware of. Your property solicitor may be able to fill this out on your behalf, providing information about:
- Any ground rent or service charges
- Who manages the building
- Whether any asbestos surveys have been carried out
- Any plans for major building works
- Insurance policies
Most leasehold sales also require a Leasehold Property Enquiries (LPE1) pack. This is obtained from the freeholder or managing agent and includes detailed information about service charges, ground rent, building insurance, and planned major works. It can take several weeks to obtain and often involves a fee, so it’s best to request it as early as possible.
Frequently asked questions about selling a property
What documents do solicitors need when selling a house?
Your solicitor will usually ask for proof of identity and address, evidence that you own the property, completed property information forms (such as the TA6 and TA10), and any relevant certificates or guarantees relating to the property. Depending on whether you’re selling a freehold, leasehold or share of freehold property, you may also need to provide additional documents. Your solicitor will let you know exactly what’s required for your sale.
Do I need an EPC to sell my house?
In most cases, yes. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required before a property is marketed for sale unless an exemption applies. An EPC provides information about the property’s energy efficiency and gives buyers an indication of likely energy costs. If you don’t already have a valid EPC, your estate agent or solicitor can advise you on obtaining one.
Do I need a gas safety certificate to sell my house?
A Gas Safety Certificate isn’t usually a legal requirement when selling your home. However, if you’ve had gas appliances serviced or inspected, providing the relevant documentation can reassure buyers that they’re safe and well maintained. If you’ve recently installed a new boiler or other gas appliance, your buyer’s solicitor may also ask for the relevant Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.
What is a TA6 form?
The TA6 Property Information Form is completed by the seller and provides important information about the property for the buyer. It covers topics such as boundaries, disputes, utilities, planning permissions, alterations and guarantees. Completing the form accurately helps reduce delays and ensures buyers have the information they need before exchanging contracts. Your solicitor will advise which current version of the form applies to your sale.
What documents do I need to sell a leasehold flat?
In addition to the standard documents required for any property sale, leasehold sellers will usually need to provide documents relating to the lease. These may include a copy of the lease, a completed Leasehold Property Enquiries (LPE1) pack, service charge and ground rent information, buildings insurance details, and information from the managing agent or freeholder. If you’ve carried out alterations, you may also need evidence that the freeholder approved the work where required under the terms of your lease.
What happens if I’m missing documents?
Missing documents don’t necessarily prevent you from selling your property, but they can delay the conveyancing process. In many cases, replacement documents can be obtained from HM Land Registry, your local authority, installers or warranty providers. Where documents can’t be located, your solicitor will explain the available options, which may include obtaining duplicate certificates or arranging indemnity insurance where appropriate.
How ONP Solicitors can support your house sale
Ready to sell? ONP Solicitors can help you understand exactly which documents you need, reduce avoidable delays and keep your sale moving. Get your conveyancing quote today.
With almost 40 years of experience in helping homeowners sell their properties, our team of experienced property solicitors have an excellent understanding of the key documents you need for a smooth house sale. We’re here to keep your property sale as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Our conveyancers can help you work out exactly which documents you need to sell your property, and ensure clear communication with your buyer’s solicitor.
To learn more about our conveyancing services and to discuss your property sale, get in touch for a quote.
