Moving Home: Conveyancing Checklist
When selling a home in the UK, a conveyancing solicitor will need several key documents to ensure the legal process runs smoothly. Whether you’re moving yourself or helping a loved one, gathering this paperwork early can make the move easier and reduce stress.
1. Proof of Identity
Passport, driving licence, or another form of photographic ID, and proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement, dated within the last 3 months).
2. Property Title Deeds
Title Deeds (if you have them). Most properties are now registered with the Land Registry, so your solicitor can usually obtain the title information electronically. However, older properties may still have paper deeds.
3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
This certificate is legally required when selling a property. If you do not have a current EPC, you will need to obtain one before marketing your home. You can check your existing EPC on the Gov website here. They are valid for 10 years.
4. Property Information Form
This form provides detailed information about the property and includes:
Boundaries of the property
Disputes or complaints with neighbours
Building work and alterations (planning permissions, building regulations, etc.)
Utility and service information (water, electricity, gas)
Environmental factors like flooding or subsidence
Information on parking, leasehold/freehold, etc.
5. Fittings and Contents Form
This form lists what fixtures and fittings are included in the sale (e.g., kitchen appliances, light fittings, curtains, etc.) and what is being taken or left behind.
6. Leasehold Information (if applicable)
Leasehold Property Information Form. If the property is leasehold, you'll need to provide details about the lease, ground rent, service charges, and management company. A copy of the lease: Your solicitor will also need a copy of the lease.
7. Mortgage Information
Mortgage redemption statement: This is provided by your lender and shows the outstanding balance of your mortgage. Your solicitor will need this to pay off the mortgage when the sale completes.
8. Property Purchase Documents
Previous purchase documents: If possible, locate any documents from when you purchased the property, such as the contract of sale, any warranties, or guarantees.
9. Building Regulations Certificates
Building regulation approvals: Certificates for any extensions, alterations, or building work done on the property that required permission from the local authority or complied with building regulations (e.g., a loft conversion or electrical rewiring).
10. Planning Permission Documents
Planning permissions: Documentation for any work that requires planning permission, such as extensions or alterations.
11. Warranties and Guarantees
Warranties or guarantees: For any works completed, such as damp proofing, roof repairs, boiler installation, or double glazing. This might include FENSA certificates for windows or boiler servicing records.
12. Electrical/Gas Safety Certificates
Electrical safety certificates: Especially if major electrical work was done, and Gas safety certificates if you’ve had a gas boiler or appliances installed or serviced.
13. Insurance Information
Building insurance details: Proof of the current building insurance, especially if the property is leasehold or the lender requires it.
14. Drainage and Water Search
Information about whether the property is connected to the mains water and sewer systems. Details of the Private Water supplier.
15. Copies of Utility Bills
Recent utility bills: These may be requested to confirm the property's connections and payments for water, electricity, gas, and council tax.
16. Management Information Pack
If selling a leasehold property, you’ll need to obtain a Management Information Pack from the freeholder or management company. This contains details on service charges, ground rent, and other important lease-related matters.
17. Other Documents
Indemnity insurance policies: If you've previously taken out indemnity insurance to cover things like missing planning permission or building regulations approval. Shared ownership or schemes: If the property is part of a shared ownership scheme or a help-to-buy scheme, you’ll need to provide the relevant agreements and documents.
We hope you found this helpful! Suzanne, Founder of Dorset Move Management.