Selling a property can be an overwhelming task, especially when it comes to the legal aspect
of the process. Conveyancing is an essential part of selling a property in the UK, and there are several documents that you will need to provide to your solicitor to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. In this blog, we will discuss the documents that are needed for conveyancing when selling a property in detail.
Check out our conveyancing documents for selling a property checklist:
| Document/Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Title Deeds | Proof of ownership of the property |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | Rating of the property’s energy efficiency |
| Property Information Form (TA6) | Details about the property and its history |
| Fittings and Contents Form (TA10) | List of items included or excluded from the sale |
| Lease Agreement (if applicable) | Agreement between seller and freeholder for leasehold properties |
| Service Charge Information (if applicable) | Details of any service charges payable for leasehold properties |
| Ground Rent Information (if applicable) | Details of any ground rent payable for leasehold properties |
| Management Company Information (if applicable) | Details of any management company responsible for the property |
| Proof of Identity and Address | Documents proving seller’s identity and address |
This checklist is not exhaustive and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the sale. It is important to consult with your solicitor for guidance on the documents and information that you will need to provide during the conveyancing process.
Title Deeds
Title deeds are the legal documents that prove who owns the property. When selling a property, the seller is required to provide the title deeds to the property. Your solicitor will need the original or a copy of the title deeds to your property to confirm your ownership and carry out the necessary checks.
The title deeds contain a lot of important information, such as the property’s boundaries, any restrictions on its use, and any mortgages or charges that may be registered against the property. Your solicitor will need to ensure that the title deeds are up-to-date and that there are no issues that could impact the sale of the property.
If you have a mortgage, your lender will hold the original deeds, and you will need to obtain a copy. This can usually be done through your lender, who will provide a certified copy of the deeds.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that rates the energy efficiency of your property. It is a legal requirement to have an EPC when selling a property, and your solicitor will need a copy to include in the sales pack.
The EPC rates the property’s energy efficiency on a scale of A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G being the least. It also provides recommendations on how to improve the energy efficiency of the property.
The EPC is valid for 10 years, so if you have had an EPC carried out within the last 10 years, you may not need to obtain a new one. However, if any improvements have been made to the property since the last EPC was carried out, you may need to obtain a new one.
You can obtain an EPC from a qualified energy assessor. They will carry out an assessment of the property and provide the EPC. The cost of an EPC can vary depending on the size and location of the property.
Property Information Form (TA6)
The Property Information Form (TA6) is a document that provides details about the property you are selling. It includes information such as boundaries, disputes, planning permission, and building work.
The purpose of the TA6 form is to provide the buyer with all the necessary information about the property. This ensures that the buyer is fully informed about the property’s condition and any issues that may impact the sale.
The TA6 form is a comprehensive document that covers a wide range of topics. Some of the information that is required includes:
Boundaries: The form asks for details of the boundaries of the property and whether there have been any disputes with neighbours over them.
Planning permission: The form asks if any work has been carried out on the property that required planning permission, and if so, whether the necessary permission was obtained.
Building work: The form asks if any building work has been carried out on the property and whether any guarantees or warranties are in place for the work.
Services: The form asks for details of the property’s services, such as water, gas, and electricity.
Your solicitor will need this form to ensure that all the necessary information is provided to the buyer. It is important to complete the form accurately and honestly as failure to do so could result in legal action against you.
Fittings and Contents Form (TA10)
The Fittings and Contents
Form (TA10) is a document that lists the items that will be included or excluded from the sale of the property. This includes fixtures such as built-in furniture, appliances, and other items that are fixed to the property.
The purpose of the TA10 form is to ensure that the buyer knows exactly what they are getting with the property. It also helps to avoid any disputes or misunderstandings after the sale has been completed.
The TA10 form is usually completed by the seller, and your solicitor will need a copy of the form to include in the sales pack. Some of the items that are commonly included in the TA10 form include:
Kitchen appliances: This includes items such as ovens, hobs, and dishwashers.
Fitted furniture: This includes items such as built-in wardrobes and shelving units.
Light fittings: This includes any light fixtures that are fixed to the property.
Garden fixtures: This includes items such as sheds, greenhouses, and garden furniture.
It is important to be clear and specific when completing the TA10 form to avoid any confusion. If you are unsure about whether to include an item or not, it is best to discuss it with your solicitor.
Leasehold Information
If you are selling a leasehold property, there are several additional documents that you will need to provide to your solicitor. These documents will include:
Lease agreement: This is the agreement between you and the freeholder that outlines the terms of the lease.
Service charge information: This includes details of any service charges that are payable on the property, such as maintenance or repairs.
Ground rent information: This includes details of any ground rent that is payable on the property.
Management company information: If there is a management company responsible for the property, you will need to provide details of this.
Your solicitor will need to review these documents to ensure that the buyer is fully aware of the terms of the lease and any associated costs. It is important to provide these documents as early as possible to avoid any delays in the conveyancing process.
Proof of Identity and Address
As part of the conveyancing process, your solicitor will need to carry out identity and address checks on you as the seller. This is to ensure that you are who you say you are and that you are legally entitled to sell the property.
To carry out these checks, your solicitor will need to see original documents that prove your identity and address. This may include:
Passport or driving licence: These are acceptable forms of photo ID.
Utility bill or bank statement: These are acceptable forms of proof of address.
Your solicitor will provide you with a list of acceptable documents and will advise you on what is required.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selling a property can be a complex process, and there are several documents that you will need to provide to your solicitor for conveyancing. These include the title deeds, Energy Performance Certificate, Property Information Form, Fittings and Contents Form, and leasehold information (if applicable). You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. Providing these documents in a timely and accurate manner will help to ensure a smooth and successful sale. If you have any questions about the conveyancing process or the documents required, it is important to speak to your solicitor who will be able to guide you through the process.
