Is it possible to sell your house while living abroad?

In July 2023, there were an estimated 280,021 homes in England and Wales registered to an overseas address or company. Selling a property in the UK while living abroad can be challenging and complicated, especially when it comes to managing the essential paperwork. 

Handling the sale remotely often means navigating additional legal requirements, security checks, and logistical hurdles that can be daunting without the right guidance. The process is further complicated by strict identity verification rules, property fraud concerns, and tax obligations that can arise when selling as a non-resident.

This guide aims to simplify the process by highlighting the key documents and legal steps you’ll need to prepare when selling your UK property from abroad. 

Whether you’re selling to free up equity, fund a new investment or sell an inherited property, understanding the documentation required will help you stay on top of the process and avoid common pitfalls.

Can you sell your UK property while living abroad?

Yes, it is entirely possible to sell your UK house while living abroad. In fact, many expats find it straightforward, especially when they have the right support in place – often without needing to return to the UK at all.

When selling a UK property from abroad, one of the most important factors is choosing the right solicitor. Your solicitor will play a significant role in determining the speed, efficiency and overall ease of the sale. 

Since you’re overseas, it’s essential to work with a solicitor who is not only reputable (has good reviews, or recommendations) but also fully equipped to handle transactions online. Ideally, they should be comfortable conducting all communication through email, video calls and online platforms to avoid unnecessary delays – this is something you can ask them when you have your initial onboarding meeting.

Another option to consider is working with a genuine cash house buying company. A cash buyer like The Property Buying Company can be especially beneficial for overseas sellers, as they can offer a quick and reliable sale without the typical complexities of a traditional property sale.

We will handle much of the paperwork and work closely with our panel of solicitors to keep the process moving forward, allowing you to complete the sale remotely with minimal hassle. This added layer of support can provide peace of mind, ensuring a smooth and fast transaction from start to finish.

What are the legal considerations for selling a UK property from abroad?

Selling a property from overseas involves extra legal considerations compared to a typical UK based sale. Firstly, your identification documents will require verification that can be challenging to conduct remotely. 

UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations require estate agents and solicitors to carry out in-depth checks, which are often easier in person. However, when you’re thousands of miles away, working with professionals who are experienced in handling overseas customers is vital.

You may need to appoint a Notary Public to certify your ID documents, and in some cases, a Power of Attorney may be advisable to allow a trusted person to act on your behalf. This arrangement can help streamline document signings and in-person appointments. However, it is essential to work with a reputable company, as the wrong choice can expose you to fraud or mishandling of your assets.

Furthermore, property title fraud is an unfortunate risk that overseas sellers should be particularly careful of. Fraudsters have been known to impersonate property owners to sell or remortgage homes without permission. 

To safeguard your home, consider signing up for the UK Land Registry’s Property Alert service. This free tool provides notifications if any changes are made to your property’s records, helping you stay aware of any suspicious activity.

When you sell your house with The Property Buying Company, we prioritise security by conducting thorough identification and AML checks, whether you’re based in the UK or abroad. As an online company, there’s no need for in-person visits; our streamlined, digital processes allow you to complete most documentation online, making it easy and convenient to sell your house remotely.

What documents are required to sell your house from abroad?

Selling your house from abroad requires a thorough understanding of the key documents involved in the process to ensure a smooth and secure transaction. Each document plays a vital role in verifying ownership, preventing fraud and complying with UK property laws.

Here are the key documents needed to sell your house from abroad:

Proof of identity and address:

Providing proof of identity is vital, as it helps prevent fraud and ensures compliance with Anti-Money Laundering regulations. You’ll need to supply a valid form of photo identification, such as a passport or drivers licence, which may need to be certified by a Notary Public if you’re based outside of the UK.

Your proof of address will be found on a recent utility bill, bank statement or other official documents showing your overseas address. As with your ID, these documents may also need notarisation to confirm authenticity.

Many companies (like ourselves) offer remote AML checks through secure video calls or online platforms, allowing you to complete this essential step without having to travel.

Land Registry and Title Deeds:

You’ll need to provide the property’s Title Deeds to verify ownership. These are registered with the UK Land Registry and outline the legal ownership and details of the property.

You will also need to confirm that your property records with the Land Registry are up to date. This is especially important to safeguard against property fraud, as outdated records can create vulnerabilities. Using the Land Registry’s Property Alert service is recommended to monitor any changes to your property’s records.

Property information:

You will need your TA6 Form, which outlines the important details about your property, including boundaries, disputes and any planned developments nearby. It is a standard requirement in UK house transactions.

The TA10 form lists which items within the property are included in the sale, such as appliances, fixtures and furniture. It clarifies to the buyer what will remain and what will be removed before the sale is completed.

For sellers abroad, many conveyancers allow these forms to be completed and submitted digitally, or via international courier if physical documents are required.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC):

An Energy Performance Certificate is a legal requirement when selling a house in the UK. This document assesses the energy efficiency of the property and is valid for 10 years.

If your house does not have a valid EPC, you can arrange for an accredited assessor to perform an inspection on your behalf. Many EPC providers allow remote coordination to accommodate sellers living abroad.

Are there any other documents I need?

When selling your property in England or Wales, from abroad, there are certain situations that may require additional documentation, particularly if your property has unique circumstances such as tenants or falls into higher tax thresholds. 

Here are some additional documents that may be necessary:

Notary Public:

A Notary Public is a legal professional who authenticates and certifies documents, usually for use in international or cross-border transactions. When selling a house from abroad, a Notary Public can play an important role in verifying your identity and certifying important documents required for the sale.

This verification helps meet UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements and ensures that your documents are legally recognised in the UK despite being completed overseas. 

Here’s how a Notary Public might assist in the process of selling a UK property from abroad:

1. Identity verification: The Notary Public will verify your identity through approved identification documents, such as a passport, to satisfy AML regulations. This step helps prevent fraud by ensuring that only the legitimate property owner is authorising the sale.

2. Document certification: Any essential documents needed for the sale, such as proof of ownership, Power of Attorney, or signed contracts, may require notarisation. The Notary Public certifies these documents, confirming they were signed willingly and with property verification.

3. Power of Attorney certification: If you choose to appoint a Power of Attorney to handle the sale on your behalf, the Power of Attorney may need to be notarised. This certification helps the UK solicitor and other parties involved recognise the document’s legitimacy.

4. Remote authentication: In many countries, Notaries can provide remote or digital services, making it easier to complete notarisations without returning to the UK.

Power of Attorney (PoA):

If you are unable to personally handle the sale’s administrative tasks, appointing a Power of Attorney can allow a trusted individual to manage the process on your behalf. This person can handle essential tasks, such as signing documents and liaising with estate agents and solicitors.

Choosing the right person to act as your Power of Attorney is essential, as they will be handling sensitive matters and, potentially, significant financial transactions. Be sure to consult your solicitor to draft a Power of Attorney that meets legal requirements in the UK.

Capital Gains Tax documentation:

If you sell a UK property while living abroad, you may be liable for Capital Gains Tax based on any profit made since you acquired the property. The amount owed depends on factors such as the time you’ve owned the property, its use (e.g., rental or personal residence), and your personal taxes.

You are legally required to submit a Capital Gains Tax return within 30 days of selling the property. Failure to do so many results in penalties, even if no tax is due.

Something further to note, is that the UK has agreements with many countries to prevent double taxation. Non-residents should check if such a treaty exists between the UK and their country of residence, as it may affect how much Capital Gains Tax they need to pay – here is a list of some notable countries which do not have a treaty:

Tenancy agreements:

If your property has sitting tenants, you’ll need to provide copies of any active tenancy agreements. These agreements are essential to disclose, as they outline tenant rights and obligations that will transfer to the new owner.

In addition to tenancy documentation, you may be required to formally notify your tenants of the sale if you intend to transfer their tenancy to a new owner.

What is the best way to sell your property from abroad?

When selling a property from overseas, it’s important to choose the right house selling method for you, and for one you can trust. High street estate agents usually have smaller, dedicated teams, so you’ll likely work with a single contact throughout the sale process. 

This agent will manage viewings, handle inquiries and keep you updated on progress – offering a more personalised experience than many online estate agents, who often operate larger, call-centre style setups. If consistency and accountability are priorities, a high street estate agent may be worth considering.

However, traditional estate agents do come with a lot of baggage; from high estate agency fees, to long selling times (6+ months). So you will need to be prepared that your property won’t sell any time soon.

If this is of a concern to you, then using a cash house buyer may be the best option. These companies can help you sell in as little as 7 days, managing the entire process for you and removing the risk of delays or fall throughs that happen to 33% of the open market. A cash sale offers a straightforward, guaranteed path to selling your UK property from abroad.

The Property Buying Company is one such cash house buyer. We operate across England and Wales, and can help you sell on a timescale that suits you – be that 7 days or 2 months. When you sell a property through our service, we will handle all the paperwork and leg work, utilising online platforms like DocuSign to digitalise and smooth the process.

And the best part of selling your house with us? We will cover all your conveyancing and selling costs, and you won't have to pay a penny towards fees or commissions.