Selling a home: documents to prepare before you instruct a conveyancer

Key takeaways

• Gather title documents, property forms, guarantees and certificates before instructing a conveyancer.

• Complete the TA6 property information form and TA10 fixtures form carefully, with accurate answers.

• Missing approvals, certificates or ownership details can lead to extra enquiries and delay the contract pack.

• Leasehold sales need management information, service charge records and details of planned works.

• Tell your conveyancer early about a mortgage, lease, alterations, disputes, boundaries or tenants.

Selling a home: documents to prepare before you instruct a conveyancer

Selling a home involves legal checks, property forms and a contract pack before the sale can proceed to exchange. Your conveyancer checks ownership, prepares the papers, answers the buyer’s solicitor and arranges repayment of any mortgage from the sale proceeds.

This seller checklist explains which documents to gather before you instruct a conveyancer, what the standard property forms cover and how missing paperwork can delay a sale. The precise requirements depend on your home, its history and whether it is freehold or leasehold.

What does a conveyancer do when you sell a home?

Your conveyancer confirms ownership, obtains title information and prepares the draft contract pack. They respond to the buyer’s legal enquiries, request a mortgage redemption statement where needed, agree completion arrangements, receive the sale funds and repay any secured borrowing before sending you the balance.

You provide the property information and supporting papers. Answer questions accurately and tell your solicitor if you are unsure or cannot find a document. Your conveyancer can explain the legal process, but cannot make the buyer, lender, managing agent or other third parties respond sooner.

Documents to prepare before instructing a conveyancer

1. Title deeds and ownership details

Find any deeds, title papers, title number or property plan you hold. Tell your conveyancer the full names of all registered owners and flag if an owner has died, is unavailable or may not be able to sign. Registered title information can often be obtained officially if you do not have a paper deed.

2. Mortgage and secured loan details

Provide the lender’s name and account details for any mortgage or secured loan. Your conveyancer will usually request a redemption statement showing the amount needed to repay it on completion. Mention any early repayment or discharge arrangements you know about.

3. Property information and fixtures forms

Most sellers complete the TA6 Property Information Form and TA10 Fittings and Contents Form. They cover matters such as boundaries, notices, disputes, utilities, alterations, guarantees and what will stay in the home. Leasehold sellers are also commonly asked to complete the TA7 Leasehold Information Form.

Read each question carefully and answer honestly. If something does not apply or you do not know the answer, explain that rather than guessing. Tell your conveyancer about any known dispute, boundary issue, notice, flooding, alteration or other matter that could be relevant to a buyer.

4. Planning and building work records

Gather planning permissions, building control approvals, completion certificates, drawings and guarantees for extensions, conversions or structural work. Include records for replacement windows, electrical work, gas appliances, a boiler, roof work, solar panels or damp treatment where you have them.

5. Leasehold and management information

For a leasehold home, find the landlord and managing agent contact details, recent service charge statements, ground rent information, building insurance details and notices about planned works. The buyer’s solicitor will usually need a management information pack, which can take time to request and prepare.

6. Tenancy, notices and other records

If the property is let, provide the tenancy agreement, deposit protection information, rent details and relevant notices or correspondence. Also gather papers about rights of way, shared access, boundary arrangements, disputes or notices that may affect the property.

7. Identity and funds information

Provide the identity and address evidence requested by your conveyancer and respond promptly to any checks. If someone else will sign for you or an owner has died, tell the firm early so they can explain what evidence or authority may be needed.

Other papers that may help answer buyer enquiries

You may not need every document below. Collect what is relevant and send copies to your conveyancer. Keep originals safe unless your solicitor asks for them.

• Planning permission, building regulation approval and completion certificates for alterations.

• Guarantees, warranties, invoices and installer details for building work or equipment.

• Window, electrical, gas and boiler certificates that you have.

• Lease, service charge statements, ground rent information and building insurance details if leasehold.

• Tenancy agreement, deposit information and notices if the home is let.

• Papers about rights of way, shared access, boundaries, disputes or notices.

• Any correspondence with the council, managing agent, neighbour, insurer or contractor about the property.

How missing paperwork can delay a sale

A missing document can prompt the buyer’s solicitor to ask further questions or seek replacement evidence. Work completed without clear approval papers, incomplete property forms, unresolved boundary issues, a late mortgage redemption figure or a delayed leasehold management pack can all hold up the contract pack or exchange. Tell your conveyancer early so they can advise on sensible next steps.

How long does a home sale take?

There is no fixed timescale for a home sale. It depends on the buyer, chain, mortgage, property searches, enquiries and how quickly documents are available. A complete contract pack can help the buyer’s solicitor review matters sooner, but cannot remove delays caused by other parties.

Conveyancing costs and getting a sale quote

A sale quote may include the legal fee, VAT, official copies, identity checks and additional work such as a leasehold sale or redemption of secured borrowing. Third party management pack charges may also apply. The total depends on your property and the work involved.

Ask for a written, itemised quote that explains what is included, what could be additional and when payments are due. Review the residential conveyancing pricing and request a sale quote from Smithfield Partners. The quote should reflect the property, tenure, mortgage and your circumstances.

Choosing a conveyancer to sell your home

Ask who will manage your file, how you will receive updates, whether the quote includes leasehold or other additional work and how the firm handles buyer enquiries. A clear explanation of fees and a responsive point of contact can make the process easier to follow.

Smithfield Partners can discuss the legal work involved in selling your home and the documents to prepare. For residential property conveyancing, contact the team or request a written sale quote through the pricing page.

Selling a home frequently asked questions

Do I need every document before instructing a conveyancer?

No. Instructing early can help identify missing papers and give your conveyancer time to request replacements or explain what evidence may be needed.

What are the TA6 and TA10 forms?

The TA6 records information about the property and matters that may affect a buyer. The TA10 records which fixtures and fittings are included in the sale.

What if I cannot find a certificate for building work?

Tell your conveyancer what work was done, when and by whom, and explain which paperwork is missing. They can advise whether further evidence or enquiries are appropriate.

Does a leasehold sale need extra paperwork?

Usually. The buyer’s conveyancer will commonly request lease and management information, including service charges, ground rent, insurance and planned works. The managing agent may charge for preparing a pack.

Can missing paperwork delay my sale?

It can. Missing evidence may lead to extra questions, requests for official copies or delays while a managing agent or another party provides information. Tell your conveyancer about gaps as soon as you can.

This guide gives general information about selling a residential property in England and Wales. It is not legal advice on an individual sale. Your conveyancer can advise on the documents and issues that apply to your circumstances.