From title deeds to Energy Performance Certificates, there’s a lot of paperwork you’ll need to sell a house or flat.
Being organised from the moment you decide to sell can streamline your sale and reduce issues further down the line. To help you, we’ve created this guide to the documents needed to sell a house.
At a glance: what documents do you need to sell a property?
- Proof of identity and address
- Title deeds
- Planning permissions
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- FENSA certificates
- Leasehold documents
Passport, driving licence and proof of address
Estate agents, lawyers, and mortgage lenders need to verify your identity ahead of putting your home on the market. This is to prevent money laundering or various types of fraud.
Documents like a passport or driving licence will be able to prove your are who you claim to be, and a recent utility bill, bank statement, or driving licence as a proof of address, as long as it is older than 3 months.
Some agents, lenders and conveyancers allow online verification to save you from sending physical documents, which can be both convenient and secure.
Title deeds
Land Registry title deeds are proof that you own your home. Your conveyancer should have given them to you when you bought your home. If you can’t find them, check with your mortgage company or solicitor.
If you can’t find your deeds, you can get a copy from the Land Registry. If your property is unregistered, you must prove ownership. Start by applying for “first registration” with help from a conveyancing solicitor.
Planning permission
If you made any additions or renovations to your home, make sure you still have the relevant documents to prove that the appropriate permissions for the changes were sought and agreed to.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) offers a useful steer on the energy efficiency of your property, helping your buyers to make an informed choice about their move.
If you have a recent EPC, you may reuse it unless you’ve made significant renovations to your home. Conservation areas or listed properties might not require an EPC.
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.
If applicable, any leasehold documents
If you’re selling a flat or any other leasehold property, you’ll need to track down your lease ahead of marketing your property. After all, your estate agent will mention lease details in marketing material, including:
- Duration of lease
- Ground rent changes
- Any service charges, including potential increases.
Bear in mind that 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 conveyancer will contact the freeholder or managing agent for leasehold details. This process takes time, so act promptly. The buyer may also enquire about planned major works and property assessments, like fire risks or asbestos.
Tips to gather the documents needed to sell a property
Work with a good estate agent
A reliable estate agent will guide you on which documents you need to sell your property. That said, preparing your documents to sell ahead of putting your home on the market can help your property sale go through quickly.
Start early
Collect relevant documents early, including any related to property conditions or past work. If issues arose and were resolved, having documentation ready is advisable.
Keep everything together
Keep essential documents, dating back to your property purchase, in a secure place If needed, arrange them in advance to minimise potential issues.
Save online versions
Keeping a copy online is a great way of making multiple copies of the important documents required to sell house.
Instruct your solicitor early
Instruct a legal professional early on to review documents, even before finding a buyer.
For assistance in selling your home, contact your local Mullucks branch today.
