What Documents Do I Need to Sell My House

Selling a house in the UK involves more than just finding a buyer and agreeing a price. To complete the sale legally and efficiently, you will need to provide a range of documents that prove ownership, confirm the condition of the property, and satisfy legal requirements. Having these ready early can prevent delays, as missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons sales take longer than expected. Whether you are selling for the first time or have done it before, it is helpful to know exactly what is needed.

Proof of Identity

The first documents you will need to provide are proof of identity and address. Both your solicitor and the estate agent are legally required to confirm who you are under anti-money laundering regulations. This usually means showing a valid passport or driving licence along with a recent utility bill or bank statement. Without this step, the sale cannot progress.

Title Deeds and Land Registry Records

The most important document is proof that you own the property. If your house is registered with HM Land Registry, your solicitor can obtain official title documents electronically. These show who owns the property, any charges such as mortgages, and any restrictions or covenants attached. If your house is not registered, which is rare today but still possible with older properties, you will need to produce the original paper deeds. Your solicitor can help trace these if they are missing.

Energy Performance Certificate

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is legally required when selling a house. This rates the property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A to G and includes recommendations for improvements. EPCs are valid for 10 years, so if you already have one from a previous sale or rental, it may still be valid. If not, you will need to arrange for a qualified assessor to provide one before marketing the property.

Property Information Forms

When selling, you will be asked to complete a set of standard forms, usually the TA6 and TA10, which provide details about the property. These cover boundaries, disputes with neighbours, alterations or extensions, utility services, and what fixtures and fittings are included in the sale. Buyers rely on these forms to understand the property fully, and providing clear, accurate information helps avoid disputes later.

Planning Permissions and Building Regulation Certificates

If you have made changes to the property, such as extensions, loft conversions, or major alterations, you will need to provide evidence of planning permission and building regulation approval. Completion certificates show that the work was carried out legally and safely. Missing paperwork here can create issues, as buyers may be concerned about the quality or legality of the work. In some cases, indemnity insurance can be used if documents cannot be found.

Mortgage Details

If you still have a mortgage on the property, your solicitor will need details of the lender and the outstanding balance. This allows them to arrange repayment when the sale completes. The buyer’s solicitor will also want confirmation that the lender has no further claim on the property once the mortgage is repaid.

Summary

To sell your house in the UK, you will need to provide proof of identity, ownership documents from the Land Registry or title deeds, an Energy Performance Certificate, property information forms, and any planning or building regulation certificates for work carried out. Mortgage details are also required if you still have a loan on the property. Having all these documents ready at the start of the process will make the sale smoother and reduce the risk of delays.