When you’re preparing to sell your home, having the right documents ready from the start can make your transaction smoother and faster. At Wolferstans, we gather key information early so we can prepare your contract pack promptly, respond to the buyer’s enquiries efficiently, and reduce the risk of avoidable delays.
The documents we request each serve a clear purpose – whether it’s confirming your identity, proving ownership, or ensuring the sale complies with basic anti-money laundering requirements set out by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Below is a guide to what we typically need and why.
Identity documents
Before we can act for you, we must verify your identity – this is a standard requirement across all law firms. We will usually ask for:
- A valid passport or driving licence
- A recent proof of address, such as a bank statement, council tax bill, or utility bill
- Two forms of ID (separate to the above) linking you to the sale property
- These checks are quick to complete, and many clients now prefer to use our secure digital ID verification tools for convenience.
Initial documents
To prepare the contract pack for the buyer’s solicitors, we will ask you to complete several standard forms. These provide essential information about the property and what is included in the sale. You will typically be asked to provide:
- A Property Information Form (TA6) – The TA6 provides key details about the property, including boundaries, utilities, historic works, and any disputes. Completing it accurately helps reduce the number of enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitor.
- A Fittings and Contents Form (TA10) – The TA10 sets out exactly what items will remain at the property after completion. This ensures both parties have a clear understanding of what is included in the sale.
- A Leasehold Information Form (TA7) – For leasehold properties, the TA7 outlines essential information such as ground rent, service charges, and management arrangements. It helps the buyer understand the financial and practical obligations that come with the lease.
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – A valid EPC is legally required before the property can be marketed. It gives the buyer an indication of the home’s energy efficiency and any recommended improvements.
Accurate and complete forms help reduce the number of follow-up enquiries from the buyer.
Title documents
These documents help us demonstrate that you have the legal right to sell. We will obtain official copies of your title documents from HM Land Registry such as:
- The Title Register: This is the official record of ownership. It confirms who legally owns the property and sets out any mortgages, restrictions, rights of way, or covenants affecting the title. The buyer’s solicitors rely on this to verify that you are legally entitled to sell.
- The Title Plan: This outlines the physical boundaries of the property and land included in the sale. It also shows any shared areas or access points. This ensures both parties understand exactly what is being transferred.
- We may also obtain copies of any additional documents held by HM Land Registry that relate to your title. These can include older conveyances, transfers, deeds, or other documents referred to within the Title Register.
In addition to the above, we may also ask you for any additional paperwork relating to the property. This may include original deeds, original leases or other title documents.
Compliance documents
These documents help us demonstrate that any alterations to the property were completed in accordance with the required regulations.
If you have carried out improvements or installations at the property, certain certificates may be required to satisfy the buyer and their solicitor. These commonly include:
- FENSA certificates: If you have replaced windows or doors since 1 April 2002, a FENSA certificate (or equivalent building control approval) confirms the work met building regulations.
- Building regulations compliance certificates: These certificates confirm that structural works, such as extensions, loft conversions, structural alterations, or major electrical/gas installations, were carried out in accordance with national building standards.
- Planning permission: Planning documents are required for substantial alterations such as extensions or changes of use. They demonstrate the works were authorised by your local authority. If planning approval cannot be shown, buyers may raise concerns about the legality of any additions.
- New build warranty: For newer properties, builders often provide warranties covering structural defects which are typically valid for 10 years. These warranties are frequently requested by buyers and their solicitors as reassurance that the property is protected from major construction issues.
Providing these documents upfront gives the buyer confidence, contributes to limiting any enquiries raised and helps keeps the process moving.
If you are missing any of the above documents there are several options available to move the transaction forward and we can discuss these with you.
Expert insight: Common issues that can delay a sale
One of the most common causes of delay in residential conveyancing transactions is missing documentation relating to alterations or improvements carried out at the property. Sellers are often surprised to learn that works completed many years ago can still generate enquiries from a buyer’s solicitor if supporting paperwork cannot be produced.
Extensions, replacement windows, loft conversions and structural alterations will often require evidence of planning permission, building regulations approval or installation certificates. Where documents are unavailable, additional investigations may be required, which can increase both timescales and costs.
We also regularly see delays where sellers do not complete the Property Information Form (TA6) in sufficient detail, leading to further enquiries from the buyer’s solicitor. Taking time to gather information and documents at the beginning of the transaction can significantly reduce the likelihood of avoidable delays later in the process.
What we commonly see in practice
While no two property sales are exactly alike, our Residential Conveyancing team regularly sees transactions delayed because key documents have not been located until late in the process. Taking a proactive approach before a buyer is found can often save valuable time later on.
“Many delays in property transactions can be traced back to missing documents or information that could have been identified at the outset. We always encourage sellers to begin gathering paperwork as early as possible, particularly where alterations have been carried out to the property. Being prepared from day one helps us provide the buyer’s solicitor with a comprehensive contract pack and can make the transaction considerably smoother for everyone involved.” – Edward Beresford, Residential Property Paralegal
Why we ask for these documents
Much of the information we request is to ensure your sale progresses smoothly and efficiently. Some elements, such as identity checks and certain financial information, are required under the SRA’s anti money laundering guidance, which all solicitors must follow.
These checks are routine, and we aim to make them as straightforward as possible.
Preparing early keeps your sale moving
Most delays in conveyancing occur because documents are missing or need to be chased. By gathering your ID, financial information, certificates, and property paperwork at the start, you can help us progress your sale more efficiently.