If you are looking to sell your home, there are various documents that you’ll need to provide to your Solicitor. As well as some disclosures you will need to make about the property.
In her latest article, Residential Property Specialist, Phoebe Gamble outlines what these documents and disclosures are and answers any other questions you may have.
What documents do I need to sell my house?
When selling your home, you need to show proof of ownership. This can be done using the following documents:
- Land Registry title register and plan – available from the Land Registry here.
- A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Lease (if your property is leasehold)
- New-build warranty (if this is applicable)
- Any guarantees or certificates (gas safety certificates, electrical certificates or window warranties)
How do I find my deeds to my house?
Obtaining your deeds is simple, as all properties in England and Wales must be registered with the Land Registry.
If your property is registered, we can download an Official Copy of the Register and Title Plan from the Land Registry, along with any referenced documents. This may include older Conveyances or Transfers that grant rights or include covenants on the property.
How do I prove ownership of unregistered land?
For unregistered properties, the original deeds would have been given to you when you bought the property. If you had a mortgage, your lender may hold the deeds, so it’s worth checking with them.
Unregistered land carries a higher risk of property fraud. You can read our separate guide on protecting yourself here.
Can I sell a house without deeds?
Yes, it is possible to sell your house without the deeds if you can prove you are the legal owner.
For unregistered land, where neither your lender nor solicitor holds the deeds, ownership can be proven using other evidence. You should look to register your ownership with the Land Registry by working with a solicitor and providing:
- Details of how the deeds were lost (if known)
- Evidence of ownership, such as mortgage statements, bills, insurance papers, and records from estate agents or solicitors
Do you need building regs to sell a house?
Not always, but some situations require them.
New properties:
If your home is less than 10 years old, your buyer’s solicitor may ask for the Building Regulation Completion Certificate, showing the property complies with building regulations.
Altered homes:
If you’ve made changes that need council approval, you’ll need the relevant building regulation certificates. Common examples include:
- Installing a bathroom
- Replacing a fuse box or major electrics
- Replacing windows or doors
- Installing or replacing a heating system/boiler
Do I need Planning Permission to sell my house?
You only need Planning Permission to sell your house if you carried out work that required it. Otherwise, it’s not necessary.
What are the benefits of having planning permission?
Planning Permission can be advantageous for larger plots, potentially increasing your home’s value and helping it sell faster. For smaller plots or city homes, it can be less of a selling point.
What do you legally have to disclose when selling a house in the UK?
You must complete the Property Information Form when selling a property, giving buyers essential information about your home. This includes:
- Property boundaries
- Any alterations or works done
- Disputes or insurance claims
- History of flooding
Do I have to sell my house before making an offer on another?
No, you do not need to sell your house before you make an offer, but it can help. Sellers are often more willing to accept an offer from someone whose home is already sold.
Selling first isn’t always possible, but if you can, it might make the difference in securing your next home.
What else do I need to know when selling my house?
You can read our detailed article covering everything you need to know about selling and the conveyancing process here.
You might also consider an overage agreement, which ensures you receive fair payment if the property’s market value increases after the sale. More on overage can be found here.
I’ve sold my house, what now?
Once you’ve sold your house, you’ll want to find your next home.
Then, you can make an offer and start the buying process. Our full guide to buying a new home, from start to move-in day, can be read here.
Even experienced buyers find it useful as a refresher, though it was originally aimed at first-time buyers.
Specialist Residential Property Conveyancing Experts
Our bright and experienced Residential Property Conveyancing team is one of the best-resourced in the area, and they are happy to assist you with the sale or purchase of your home. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.
You can speak to a member of the team on 01202 499255 or by filling out the form. We offer a free initial chat to all new clients.
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