Every document you need to sell a house in 2025

To start, you’ll need to provide proof of identity to verify that you are indeed the seller. This requirement helps prevent fraud by confirming that the person selling the property is the legitimate owner. Acceptable forms of identification usually include:

• A valid passport.

• A driver’s licence.

• Utility bills (as proof of address).

Either your conveyancer or selling company (or both), will use these documents to confirm your identity with an Anti-Money Laundering organisation, so it’s important to keep them current and accessible.

Title Deeds are the official documents that establish your ownership of your property. They contain information about the boundaries, any restrictions on the property and the property’s chain of ownership over time. If you have a mortgage, it’s likely that your lender holds the title deeds, so you may need to obtain them from your mortgage lender when you’re ready to sell.

If you don’t have physical Title Deeds, the property is likely registered with the Land Registry, which keeps a digital record of ownership for registered properties in the UK. In such cases, your conveyancer can retrieve the necessary information from the Land Registry on your behalf.

For sellers who are not UK residents, it’s important to clarify residency status for tax purposes. Overseas sellers may be subject to different tax rules, such as non-resident Capital Gains Tax when selling a UK property. 

Providing this information up front helps avoid potential tax complications and ensures that buyers are aware of any legal considerations tied to your residency.

If you have an outstanding mortgage on your property, you’ll need to provide details about it, including the lender’s name, remaining balance, and account number. Your mortgage lender will need to be notified about the sale, as any outstanding balance will need to be repaid upon completion of the sale.

The conveyancer handling the sale will usually request a redemption statement from your lender, which outlines the exact amount required to pay off your mortgage in full. This document is essential to avoid any financial complications as the sale progresses.

Capital Gains Tax applies if the property you’re selling isn’t your primary residence, such as a second home or investment property. This tax is calculated based on the profit made from the sale, and you’ll need to report it on your tax return. 

To determine your Capital Gains Tax liability, you’ll need records of the property’s purchase price, any capital improvements made, and other relevant expenses.

If you’re required to pay Capital Gains Tax, you’ll need to complete a Self Assessment Tax Return, specifically the SA100 form. This form allows you to report income and gains from various sources, including house sales.

For those unfamiliar with this process, consider consulting an accountant to ensure your tax return is accurate and complete. The SA100 is generally submitted annually, but Capital Gains from house sales may need to be reported within 60 days of the house sale.

If you’ve made any structural changes to the property, such as extensions, conversions or significant renovations, you’ll need to provide planning permission documentation. This paperwork shows that the modifications were approved by the local council and comply with local planning laws. 

Buyers want to know that the property’s layout and structure are lawful, so ensuring you have these records on hand can help to avoid legal issues.

Building regulations approvals are necessary for many structural changes, even if planning permission isn’t required. These regulations cover areas like electrical wiring, structural integrity, fire safety and plumbing to ensure the property is safe and habitable. 

If you’ve made changes such as adding new bathrooms, rewriting or structural alterations, building control approval will be required. If you can’t find these documents, it’s possible to obtain retrospective approval, although this can take time.

For properties with recently installed windows or doors, a FENSA certificate is essential. FENSA certifies that new windows and doors meet energy efficiency and safety standards. 

This certificate assures buyers that these installations comply with building regulations and won’t require further inspection. If you’ve lost your FENSA certificate, replacements can be ordered from the FENSA website.

A Gas Safety Certificate is required if your property has gas appliances. This document, issued by a registered gas engineer, confirms that all gas fittings and appliances are safe and meet legal standards.

It’s particularly important for landlords selling rental properties, as annual gas safety checks are mandatory. Buyers will want assurance that gas installations are safe, and failure to provide this document could lead to a request for additional inspections.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is often requested to confirm that the property’s electrical systems are safe and up to code. While not always mandatory for private sellers, an EICR is a legal requirement for landlords in rental properties.

Buyers may still request an Electrical Safety Report as a condition of sale, so having this document ready can demonstrate transparency and prevent delays.

Guarantees cover specific aspects of the property and its installations, often provided by contractors or builders. For example, if you’ve had a new roof, damp proofing, or structural work completed, you may have a guarantee covering these improvements for a set period.

Buyers will want to see any guarantees to know they are protected against potential future problems, especially if the work is relatively recent. Make sure these documents are accessible and valid, as they may transfer to the new owner.

Warranties are similar to guarantees but may apply to various installations or appliances in the home, such as a boiler or double glazing units. These warranties often cover repair or replacement costs if issues arise within a specified period. 

Common warranties include NHBC (National House Building Council) warranties for new builds, which usually last ten years, or boiler warranties that may cover parts and labour for five to ten years.

For properties with recently installed windows or doors, a FENSA certificate is essential. FENSA certifies that new windows and doors meet energy efficiency and safety standards. 

This certificate assures buyers that these installations comply with building regulations and won’t require further inspection. If you’ve lost your FENSA certificate, replacements can be ordered from the FENSA website.

A Gas Safety Certificate is required if your property has gas appliances. This document, issued by a registered gas engineer, confirms that all gas fittings and appliances are safe and meet legal standards.

It’s particularly important for landlords selling rental properties, as annual gas safety checks are mandatory. Buyers will want assurance that gas installations are safe, and failure to provide this document could lead to a request for additional inspections.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is often requested to confirm that the property’s electrical systems are safe and up to code. While not always mandatory for private sellers, an EICR is a legal requirement for landlords in rental properties.

Buyers may still request an Electrical Safety Report as a condition of sale, so having this document ready can demonstrate transparency and prevent delays.

An Energy Performance Certificate is a legally required document when selling a house in the UK. The EPC rates the property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and includes recommendations for improving energy efficiency.

An EPC is valid for ten years, so if you’ve had one completed within that timeframe, you may not need to get a new one. Buyers often consider the EPC rating as it impacts future energy costs, making it a key document to have ready before listing the property.

The TA6 Property Information Form is a standard document that provides comprehensive details about the property. This form includes information on boundaries, disputes, planning proposals, flooding history, utilities and services.

The TA6 gives buyers an in-depth understanding of the property’s condition and history, helping to prevent surprises or misunderstandings later in the process. Completing this form accurately and honestly is essential, as discrepancies could lead to disputes after the sale.

The TA10 Fittings and Contents Form outlines what is included in the sale, such as kitchen appliances, carpets, light fittings, and garden items. This form helps clarify for buyers which fixtures and fittings are part of the property purchase and which are not, reducing the potential for disputes.

By completing the TA10, you can set clear expectations with the buyer about what will remain in the property and what will be removed.

If your property is leasehold, you’ll need to complete the TA7 Leasehold Information Form. This form provides details about the lease terms, including ground rent, service charges, and any restrictions on the property. 

Leasehold properties involve additional considerations for buyers, so the TA7 helps them understand their obligations and potential costs associated with the lease. Ensuring this form is accurate and up to date will help avoid delays and misunderstandings during the sale.