If you are preparing to sell, gathering the paperwork early can reduce avoidable questions and delays later. The exact documents needed to sell a house in the UK depend on the property, its ownership and any work carried out, but most sellers will need proof of identity, title information, an Energy Performance Certificate and completed property forms.
This guide focuses mainly on residential sales in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland use different processes and documents. Your solicitor or licensed conveyancer should confirm what is required for your particular sale.
Quick checklist: documents commonly needed to sell a house
| Document or information | Why it may be needed |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity and address | For identity and anti-fraud checks |
| Title information or title deeds | To confirm ownership and matters affecting the property |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | Normally required before marketing the property |
| TA6 Property Information Form | Provides detailed information about the home |
| TA10 Fittings and Contents Form | Records what is included or excluded from the sale |
| Planning and building-regulation records | Supports alterations, extensions and certain installations |
| Guarantees, warranties and certificates | Provides evidence for work or products at the property |
| Mortgage information | Helps the conveyancer arrange repayment of the existing loan |
| Leasehold or managed-estate information | Explains the lease, charges, insurance and management arrangements |
| Probate or authority documents, where relevant | Confirms the seller has legal authority to complete the sale |
1. Proof of identity and address
Your estate agent and conveyancer will normally need to verify your identity and address. They will tell you which documents they accept, but examples may include a valid passport or driving licence together with a recent bank statement, council tax bill or utility bill.
The name you provide should match the ownership record. Tell your conveyancer early if your name has changed or if an owner has died, lost capacity or cannot take part in the normal way. Additional evidence may be required.
2. Title deeds and Land Registry information
For most registered property in England and Wales, HM Land Registry holds the official title register and title plan. The register can show the registered owners, tenure, mortgages and certain rights or restrictions affecting the property.
Paper title deeds can still contain useful historical information, so give any documents you hold to your conveyancer. Not having the original paper deeds does not necessarily prevent a sale when the property is registered. Unregistered property or discrepancies in the ownership record can require more work, so raise them as early as possible.
3. Energy Performance Certificate
An Energy Performance Certificate shows a property’s energy-efficiency rating and recommendations. In most cases, an EPC must be ordered before a property is marketed for sale.
Check the official EPC register before paying for a new assessment because a valid certificate may already exist. Some properties are exempt, but you should confirm this rather than assuming an exemption applies.
4. TA6 Property Information Form
The TA6 Property Information Form is used for most standard residential transactions in England and Wales. It asks the seller for information about matters such as boundaries, disputes, notices, alterations, insurance, environmental issues, services and occupiers.
For new transactions handled under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme from 30 March 2026, the current version is the TA6 (6th edition). Your conveyancer should provide the correct form and explain how to complete it.
Answer carefully and honestly. Do not guess or hide known problems. If you are unsure about a question, ask your conveyancer before responding. Supporting records such as permissions, notices, warranties and utility information can help you complete the form accurately.
5. TA10 Fittings and Contents Form
The TA10 Fittings and Contents Form records which items are included in the sale, excluded or available separately. It can cover items such as fitted appliances, light fittings, curtains, sheds and outdoor features.
Completing it clearly reduces the risk of disagreement about what will remain at the property on completion.
6. Planning permission and building-regulation documents
Gather the approvals and completion documents for extensions, loft conversions, structural changes or other significant work. Depending on what was done, this may include planning permission, building-regulation approval, completion certificates or evidence that permission was not required.
Do not contact an authority or apply retrospectively without first discussing the situation with your conveyancer. The appropriate response depends on the work, timing and circumstances.
7. Installation certificates, guarantees and warranties
Collect any documents connected with work at the property. Relevant examples can include:
- FENSA or CERTASS certificates for replacement windows and doors
- electrical installation or inspection records
- boiler, heating or gas-safety records
- roofing, damp-proofing or timber-treatment guarantees
- new-build structural warranties
- solar-panel documents
- party wall agreements
- surveys, guarantees and transferable product warranties
Not every property will have every document on this list. Give your conveyancer what you have and explain any missing paperwork.
8. Mortgage and secured-loan information
If the property has a mortgage or another secured loan, provide the lender’s details and relevant account information to your conveyancer. They will normally obtain a formal redemption figure and arrange for the loan to be repaid from the sale proceeds on completion.
You can contact the lender early to understand the approximate balance, early repayment charges and any fees, but the final figure is handled during conveyancing.
9. Extra paperwork for leasehold or managed properties
A leasehold sale usually needs more information than a straightforward freehold sale. Sellers commonly complete the TA7 Leasehold Information Form alongside the TA6. For qualifying new CQS transactions from 30 March 2026, the current version is the TA7 (5th edition).
You may also need a copy of the lease and information from the freeholder, landlord or managing agent. This can include service-charge and ground-rent statements, buildings insurance, planned major works, disputes, consents and building-safety information where relevant.
Some managed freehold estates also require management information. These packs can take time and may involve a fee, so ask your conveyancer when they should be ordered.
10. Documents for inherited property or other special circumstances
If you are selling an inherited house, the personal representatives may need a grant of probate or letters of administration before the transaction can complete. A sale involving a power of attorney, trust, company or court-appointed representative will require different evidence of authority.
Tell the conveyancer about the circumstances at the beginning. For more preparation guidance, read our guide to selling an inherited house in the UK.
Can you sell a house without all the original documents?
Missing paperwork does not always make a sale impossible. Your conveyancer may be able to obtain official title information, request replacement certificates or advise on another appropriate solution. However, missing or inconsistent records can cause extra enquiries and may concern a buyer or mortgage lender.
Do not create replacement documents yourself or make claims you cannot support. Give your conveyancer a complete explanation and let them advise on the safest next step.
When should you start gathering the paperwork?
Start before or as soon as the property goes on the market. You do not need to complete every legal form without guidance, but you can collect identification, certificates, guarantees, permission records, mortgage details and leasehold contacts in advance.
Early preparation cannot guarantee a completion date, but it can reduce avoidable delays once a buyer is found. See how long it usually takes to sell a house in the UK and the common causes of house-sale delays.
A simple way to organise your sale documents
- Create one secure digital folder and one folder for originals.
- Separate identity documents from property records.
- Group permissions, certificates and guarantees by the work completed.
- Make a short list of missing items and tell your conveyancer.
- Keep copies of new correspondence received during the sale.
- Do not email sensitive identity or bank documents unless you have verified the recipient and method.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main documents needed to sell a house in the UK?
For a typical sale in England or Wales, sellers commonly need proof of identity and address, title information, an EPC, completed TA6 and TA10 forms, and relevant permissions, certificates, guarantees and mortgage details. Leasehold and unusual sales require additional paperwork.
Do I need the original title deeds to sell my house?
Not always. HM Land Registry holds the official title record for most registered property in England and Wales. Paper deeds can still be useful, particularly where the title refers to older documents. Ask your conveyancer to check the record.
Can I market a house without an EPC?
In most cases, an EPC must be ordered before the property is marketed. A valid EPC may already exist on the official register, and limited exemptions apply to certain properties.
What extra documents are needed for a leasehold sale?
A leasehold seller will usually need the TA7 form, the lease and management information covering charges, insurance, planned works and other building or estate matters. Your conveyancer can request the correct pack.
Will preparing documents make my house sale faster?
It cannot guarantee a faster sale, but having accurate paperwork ready can reduce avoidable delays and help your conveyancer answer enquiries. If timing is important, compare the main ways to sell a house fast in the UK before choosing a route.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Selling a home
- GOV.UK: Preparing to sell
- GOV.UK: Energy Performance Certificates
- HM Land Registry: Search the register
- The Law Society: TA6 Property Information Form
- The Law Society: Property transaction forms
This article provides general property information, not legal advice. Requirements vary according to the property, tenure and circumstances. Ask a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to confirm what your sale requires.