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Papers Please! The Right Way to Sell Your Property

Date Published 02 August 2024

When you decide to sell your property there's plenty of work to do to make sure things go smoothly.

Choosing the right estate agent is a big part of the process, then there's deciding on a solicitor to look after the legal side of things for you too. Depending on your plans, you might need to set up a new mortgage as well.

Having the right paperwork in place can speed things up and make sure there are no bumps in the road further down the line too.

So what exactly do you need to have at hand?

Who are you?

As with most things that involve officialdom, you'll need to prove you are who you say you are. As you would expect, proof of identity is required and thankfully that's usually something that's pretty easy and straightforward, as most of us will know where their passport, driving license or birth certificate are currently hiding and gathering dust.

Property Title Deeds will also be needed at some point. If you have a mortgage it's most likely that your lender will have the original documents, but the Land Registry carries records so there shouldn't be a problem. If your property is leasehold then a copy of the lease will be needed.

Official requirements

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are needed by law whenever a property is sold. This document contains important information about a property's energy use
and typical energy costs, as well as recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money.

The EPC energy efficiency rates go from the most efficient A down to G and the assessment is valid for 10 years. As an accredited assessor we can assess your property and produce the certificate for you.

Other similarly important records include gas checks completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer (or Corgi-registered engineer prior to 2009), electrical checks such as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), or a NAPIT or NICEIC certificate/report from a registered electrical competent person, and FENSA or CERTAS certificates for windows.

Property Information Form

The Property Information Form (TA6) is not a legal requirement for selling a property but most conveyancers or conveyancing solicitors will strongly advise you to complete one. It gives potential buyers a clear picture of various background details and by not providing one it can look like there is something to hide.

The declaration covers things like whether the boundary is irregular in any way and if you have had any disputes with a neighbour. You'll also be able to state whether you've made changes to the property and show the works have the proper consents and approvals, and more.

There's also the TA10 Fittings & Contents form to fill in, which clearly states what is included and excluded within the sale of the property.

Don't panic!

No one likes filling in forms and going through official processes but sometimes there's no avoiding it.

That's just one way a good estate agent can help you - we deal with these things every day so know that although it may all seem a bit daunting it's really quite straightforward. We help and advise you all the way through from start to finish, and that includes when it comes to dealing with all the necessary paperwork.

If you'd like to know more just give us a call on 01903 60 80 80, drop us an email or come into the office at Worthing House, 6 South Street, Worthing BN11 3AA and have a chat about things.