So, you’ve decided to sell your home. Whatever the reason – be it upsizing, downsizing, or moving out of the area completely – selling a property can be a challenging – but rewarding – undertaking.
At Brookings, we’re supporting first-time sellers by highlighting everything you need to know about making the sale, from valuation and marketing to mortgages and legal work.
In this blog, we’re exploring what documents you will need before you can sell your home.
Proof of identity
All parties involved in property transactions in the UK need to be thoroughly vetted before a sale can go ahead. This is to reduce fraud in the highly targeted property market.
Therefore, you will need to show a form of ID to both your estate agent and conveyancer. This is usually your proof of current address, such as an electricity or water bill, as well as photo identification, such as a driver’s licence or passport.
Property title deeds
Now you have proven your identity, you will be required to prove that you own your property. If you do not have the property title deeds in your possession, you will be able to obtain a copy from the solicitor you originally used to purchase the house.
Land registry deeds
Your conveyancer will also need to obtain official deeds from the Land Registry. This should be fairly straightforward unless your property hasn’t been sold since 1986 – as the Land Registry will no longer have a copy. In this case, you should check your own documents or ask the conveyancer or mortgage provider originally used to purchase the property for a copy.
Freehold or leasehold documentation
If you purchased your land freehold, you will need to hand over the freehold documentation. Conversely, if you purchased your land leasehold, you will need to provide a copy of your leasehold documentation.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC is legally required to sell a property in England and Wales. To learn all about EPCs and how to get one, visit our latest blog here.
Specific information about your property
No property is the same, so it will come as no surprise that you may be required to provide bespoke documentation.
This may include the management information pack (if you pay any service charges), the fittings and contents form to describe exactly what is included in the sale, and the TA6 (also known as the property information form), which may include information about your property’s boundaries, past and present planning applications and environmental concerns, among others.
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For help and advice on the entire home moving process, please get in touch with our expert team today.
