Selling your home is a big decision, and at Lovelle, we understand the importance of getting it right. Whether it’s your first move or you’ve sold before, one thing that can make all the difference is having your paperwork in order from the start.
Getting organised early means fewer delays, fewer surprises, and a smoother journey from “for sale” to “sold.” In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key documents you’ll need when selling your house and why each one matters.
Related: Home Selling Checklist: Everything You Need to Do Before Listing
Why having the right documents matters
Selling a property involves a lot of moving parts. Estate agents, buyers, solicitors, and surveyors are all working together to get the deal over the line. Having your documents ready from day one helps keep things moving quickly and builds trust with your buyer.
It also puts you in a stronger position if you’re part of a chain. If your buyer is ready and your paperwork is not, it can delay everyone, or worse, lead to someone pulling out.
What documents do you need?
Proof of identity
The first thing your estate agent and solicitor will ask for is proof of who you are. This is part of standard anti-money laundering checks and is required by law.
You’ll need to provide:
- One form of photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- One proof of address (such as a recent utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months)
Title deeds
Title deeds show that you legally own the property and have the right to sell it. If your home has been registered with the HM Land Registry (which most are), your solicitor can usually download an official copy.
If the property hasn’t been registered, more likely if you’ve owned it for a long time, you might need to locate paper deeds or apply for replacements, which can take a little time.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC is a legal requirement for selling your home. It shows how energy-efficient the property is, using a rating scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
If your home doesn’t have a valid EPC (they’re valid for 10 years), you’ll need to get one before marketing it. At Lovelle, we can arrange this for you if needed. Improving your EPC rating may also help attract buyers.
Property information form (TA6)
This is a comprehensive form that gives your buyer all the essential details about the property. It includes things like:
- Who maintains the boundaries
- Whether there have been any disputes with neighbours
- Details of any building work
- Utility connections and suppliers
- Parking arrangements
- Planning permissions and warranties
Accuracy is vital here — giving misleading or incomplete information could lead to issues later. Your solicitor will help you through it.
Fittings and contents form (TA10)
This form sets out exactly what’s included in the sale, so the buyer knows what they’re getting. Are you leaving the fridge? What about the curtains, the garden shed, or light fittings?
It avoids confusion and helps prevent last-minute disagreements, which can sometimes lead to delays or even legal claims after completion.
Leasehold documents (if applicable)
If your home is leasehold, for example, a flat or maisonette, there’s a bit more paperwork involved. You’ll need to provide:
- A copy of the lease
- Service charge and ground rent information
- Details of the freeholder or managing agent
- Buildings insurance
- Any planned maintenance works
Some of this information can take time to obtain, especially from managing agents, so it’s best to start gathering it as early as possible.
Planning permissions and building regulations certificates
If you’ve made any alterations to the property, such as an extension, loft conversion, or structural changes, you’ll need to provide proof that the work was carried out legally and safely. This might include:
- Planning permission documents
- Building regulations approval
- Completion certificates
- FENSA certificates for windows and doors
Missing paperwork could raise red flags for buyers or mortgage lenders and might delay or jeopardise the sale.
Warranties and guarantees
Any guarantees that relate to work done on the property are helpful for your buyer. These could include:
- Damp proofing guarantees
- Boiler warranties
- Electrical installation certificates
- NHBC warranty (if the property is a relatively new build)
Having these to hand shows the buyer that the property has been well looked after and helps provide peace of mind.
Mortgage information
If you still have a mortgage on your home, your solicitor will ask for details of your lender. They’ll need this to obtain a redemption statement (a figure showing what’s left to pay), which will be used to pay off the balance on completion day.
If you have a Help to Buy equity loan or any second charges on the property, those will also need to be addressed before the sale completes.
Related: Selling a Home with a Help to Buy Equity Loan
What happens if you don’t have some of these documents?
Don’t worry, your solicitor can often help track things down or apply for replacements. However, this process can take time, and if it’s delayed too long, your buyer might become frustrated or start looking elsewhere.
That’s why we recommend speaking to your solicitor and estate agent early, ideally as soon as your home goes on the market.
Summary checklist
Here’s a quick overview of the documents you’ll need:
- Proof of ID and address
- Title deeds or Land Registry copy
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Property information form (TA6)
- Fittings and contents form (TA10)
- Leasehold documents (if relevant)
- Planning and building regulation certificates
- Warranties and guarantees
- Mortgage information
Documents in hand, sale in sight
Selling your home is a significant milestone, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right paperwork in order and a supportive team by your side, you’ll be well-positioned to attract serious buyers and move ahead with clarity and peace of mind.
At Lovelle, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s preparing your paperwork or navigating negotiations, our experienced team will make sure nothing is missed.
Want to know more about the selling process? Explore our Lovelle Guide to Selling or speak to your local Lovelle team for friendly, expert advice.
Further reading:
A Guide to the TA6 Property Information Form
