What documents do you need to sell a house?
Getting your paperwork ready before you list is one of the simplest ways to speed up a sale and avoid it falling through. Here's what you'll need.
In short: you'll need proof of ID, a valid EPC, proof of ownership (the title register), property information forms, and any certificates or guarantees for work done. Leasehold sales need more. Gathering it early prevents delays.
The essentials
- Proof of identity, for anti-money-laundering checks.
- A valid EPC, you must have one before you can market the property. They last 10 years.
- Proof of ownership, the HM Land Registry title register, which confirms you're entitled to sell and flags any charges or restrictions.
The conveyancing forms
- TA6 Property Information Form, the big one, covering boundaries, disputes, alterations, utilities and more.
- TA10 Fittings and Contents Form, what stays and what goes.
- TA7, additionally, for leasehold properties.
Certificates and guarantees
Buyers (and their solicitors) will ask for proof that work was done properly: building-regulations certificates, FENSA certificates for windows, Gas Safe and electrical certificates, and any guarantees for damp, timber or a new roof. Missing paperwork is a classic cause of last-minute delays.
For leasehold homes
Add the lease itself, recent service-charge and ground-rent statements, and a leasehold information pack from the freeholder or managing agent. These can take weeks to arrive, so request them as soon as you decide to sell.
Get your title and EPC in one place
Pull the official title register and EPC for your home, then compare local agents to sell it.
Explore property reportsFrequently asked questions
What documents do I legally need to sell my house?
At a minimum: proof of identity, a valid EPC, and evidence of legal ownership (the title register). Your solicitor will then need property information forms (TA6 and, for leasehold, TA7), a fittings and contents form (TA10), and any certificates or guarantees for work done.
Do I need the title deeds to sell my house?
For most homes the HM Land Registry title register has replaced the old paper deeds as the proof of ownership. Your solicitor obtains the official register, you don't usually need the original deeds, though related guarantees and certificates are still useful.
How early should I gather selling documents?
As early as possible. Sorting the EPC, title, certificates and guarantees before you list can shave weeks off the conveyancing process and avoid the delays that cause sales to fall through.
What extra documents do I need for a leasehold property?
Leasehold sales need more: the lease itself, recent service-charge and ground-rent statements, and a management/leasehold information pack from the freeholder or managing agent, which can take time to obtain, so start early.