What Paperwork Do I Need To Sell My House In The UK

Before you can sell your home, there are crucial documents you must gather to ensure a smooth and successful sale. In this guide to selling your home, we’ll walk you through the key documents you need to sell your home in the UK. From initial preparations to finalising the sale, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the process as seamless as possible. So, whether you’re planning to sell your beloved family home or an investment property, let’s dive in…

Documents you need to sell your house

Selling your house may involve a significant amount of paperwork, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can have a sound understanding of the legal requirements for selling a house. There is a selection of documentation you need to be aware of, and make sure that you have everything ticked off with a clear understanding of what’s next.

1. Proof of identity: Your identity will be checked multiple times when you sell your home. Both fraud and identity theft are quite common, so proving your identity will protect both yourself and potential buyers. The main reason you’ll be asked for proof of identity is that the UK government has implemented stringent anti-money laundering regulations to combat illegal activities. The second reason is title fraud: a serious concern in the property market. Fraudsters sometimes try to market a property they do not own, using false identities to deceive unsuspecting buyers. There are several different documents you can use to prove your identity. Typically you’ll need a combination of a valid passport and/or driver’s license but you can also provide a National Identity card or Military ID card.

2. Property title deeds: You’ll need the title deed to your house if you intend to sell it. Your solicitor likely gave them to you when you initially bought the home but your mortgage lender may have the original deed on your behalf. If you can’t track them down then you can get a copy from the Land Registry for a small fee.From residential homes to commercial estates, any land or property that is bought, sold, or mortgaged is registered with the Land Registry. The sale history of property sold across the UK is recorded here too. It’s fairly easy, through a quick document request, to get Land Registry house sold prices so you can see what your home previously sold for or what the Land Registry house price was on any home. Obtaining the house price from the Land Registry will give you access to the sale history of the property, which may help you better price your home now.

   About 15% of all the land and property in the UK isn’t registered, though, and that can complicate things if you’re trying to sell your house fast. The main reason you need property title deeds is to prove you are the rightful owner of the property. Title documents essentially establish the seller’s legal right to list the property for sale and transfer ownership to the buyer. They also contain important details about the property, such as its boundaries, any easements or rights of way, and any restrictions or covenants that may affect its use.

Remember: It is a legal requirement to provide title documents when selling a property in the UK.

3. Energy Performance Certificate:
   1. If you’re selling your home, you will also need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC rates the energy efficiency rating of a home on a scale from A to G. The rating looks at factors such as insulation, heating systems, and lighting.To obtain an EPC, you will need to hire an accredited energy assessor. These assessors will come to your property and carry out an inspection. They will then provide you with a report that includes the rating and recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of your property – this is valid for 10 years. You will need to provide a copy of the EPC to any potential buyers or renters before they make an offer on the property.

      Lost the certificate you obtained in the last 10 years? Use the EPC website or contact them directly to gather the relevant information.

   Copy of lease:If you’re selling a leasehold property, one of the key documents you’ll need is the Copy of the Lease. This legal document outlines the terms of the lease agreement between you and the landlord of the property or building, which is usually the case with flats and apartments that require an EWS1 certificate. It includes crucial information such as the length of the lease, ground rent details, service charges, and any restrictions or obligations tied to the property.

   Potential buyers will want to see this document to understand their rights and responsibilities as the new owner before they purchase. If you can’t locate your original lease, a copy can usually be requested from the freeholder or managing agent.

4. Fittings and contents form: When you decide how to sell your property, the fittings and contents form details which items are included in the sale of your property, such as kitchen appliances, light fixtures, and carpets. It’s important to fill out this form carefully and double-check that everything on the form is a direct match to what has already been agreed. This form helps both parties ensure everything is clear and agreed upon in the sale. Having it ready can also contribute to the speed of your house sale as it streamlines the process and reduces any potential disputes over included items.

5. Property information form: This is another essential document you’ll need, which provides potential buyers with vital details about the property, helping them make an informed decision. It covers important information such as the property’s boundaries, any recent renovations or repairs, and whether the property is subject to any disputes or restrictions.The form may also include information on parking arrangements, utilities (which may include things such as electricity and gas certificates), and details of any ongoing issues like neighbour disputes or issues with the property title. Buyers often want to know these details upfront, so filling out this form accurately is an important step in making the sale process as smooth as possible. Buyers will often refer to this form to assess the property before making an offer. A well-completed Property Information Form can help you sell your house quickly, as it reduces uncertainty and the need for back-and-forth clarification during negotiations.

6. Building regulation certificates:If you’ve made any changes to the wiring of your home since January 2005, that means you must have a Part P Building Regulation Certificate. You will need to give it to your solicitor so they can pass it to your buyer. The purpose of this certification is to show that any electrical work completed meets the UK standards. If you have lost your certificate, simply contact the electrician who completed the work to get a replacement certificate.
7. Warranties and guarantees: You will also need to provide the potential buyer with any other guarantees or warranties you have for any work that has been undertaken on the property. Whether you were dealing with a serious case of dampness or something like Japanese Knotweed, you’ll need to show that the problem was addressed by a professional. You can sell your appliances to the new buyer of your home for cash but to do so you’ll need associated warranties. Make sure that you have any paperwork associated with these as it will speed up the process considerably.

The goal with all this documentation isn’t to present your home in a poor light. Instead, it’s so that potential buyers aren’t misled into purchasing a home with various defects. They should be presented with all the information possible to make an informed decision, and as the seller, that is your responsibility to provide.

What do I need to sell my house?

If you’re still unsure of what to do or what you need, speak to your estate agent or solicitor who helped you to buy your house originally. They will be able to advise where you can locate particular documentation if you’ve misplaced it, and also answer any questions you may have.

Experienced estate agents are well-versed in the property selling process and can offer valuable advice on the necessary paperwork and documentation required to complete a successful property sale. At Good Move, we have an expert team of property conveyancers who will be able to advise in many situations and help you sell your home fast. This is why it’s essential to choose an experienced and reliable estate agent or cash house buyer who can offer professional advice and support at every stage of the property-selling journey. Contact us today to learn more.