Selling a property involves a lot of paperwork. From EPCs and gas safety certificates to planning permission for renovations, you’ll have to keep track of lots of documents to sell your home.
However, being prepared in advance can streamline the sales process and reduce stress further down the line. With that in mind, we’ve created this guide to the documents required for selling a house.
What documents do you need to sell a house?
Proof of identity
To prevent money laundering, estate agents, conveyancers, and mortgage lenders will need to verify your identity.
You must give them documents like a passport or driving license to prove your are who you claim to be, and a recent utility bill, bank statement, or driving license as a proof of address (not older than 3 months).
Some may allow online verification to save you from sending physical documents, which can be both convenient and secure.
Land Registry title deeds
Title deeds show you own your property. Your solicitor should have given them to you when you bought your home. If you can’t find them, check with your mortgage lender or conveyancing solicitor.
If you can’t find your deeds, you can easily get a copy from the Land Registry. If your property is unregistered. however, you must prove ownership. Start by applying for “first registration” with help from a conveyancing solicitor.
Leasehold documents
If you’re selling a leasehold property, it’s important to find your lease. Your estate agent will mention lease details in marketing material, including:
- Lease duration
- Ground rent
- Service charges, and potential increases.
Mortgages may not cover leases with less than 80 years, impacting the sale. If yours is short, consider extending it after two years of residence.
Your solicitor will contact the freeholder or managing agent for leasehold details. This process takes time, so do this as soon as you put your property on the market. Bear in mind that the buyer may also enquire about planned major works and property assessments, like fire risks or asbestos.
Gas safety certifications
Although you’re not legally obliged to have a gas safety certificate when you sell your home, if you have a gas boiler, then a gas safety certificate – which you will have obtained when you last serviced your boiler – is recommended.
Planning permission for renovations
If you made any additions or renovations to your home, make sure you still have the relevant documents to prove that the right permissions for the changes were sought and agreed to.
FENSA window certificates
If you’ve replaced your windows or external doors, you should have been sent a FENSA certificate upon completion of the work. This offers reassurance to your buyer that the windows have been installed to a professional standard.
If you no longer have your FENSA certificate, you can easily order a replacement via your original window fitter for around £25.
Energy Performance Certificate
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) offers guidance on how energy efficient your property is. Homeowners with a recent EPC may reuse it unless significant redevelopment occurred. However, conservation areas or listed properties might not require an EPC.
How to keep track of the documents needed to sell
A reliable estate agent will guide you on which documents you need when selling a house. That said, preparing your documents to sell ahead of putting your home on the market can help your property sale go through quickly. Here are our top tips for keeping on top of everything you’ll need to sell:
Create a moving document checklist
Collect relevant documents early, including any related to property conditions or past work. If issues arose and were resolved, having documentation ready is advisable.
Have a dedicated folder
Keep essential documents, dating back to your property purchase, in a secure place If needed, arrange them in advance to minimise potential issues.
Track down online versions
Keeping a copy online is a great way of making multiple copies of the important documents needed to sell.
Instruct your conveyancer early
Instruct a legal professional early on to review documents, even before finding a buyer.
For help with selling your home, contact your local Country Properties branch today.
