A Helpful Guide for Homeowners: Key Documents for Selling Your Home 🏡✍️
When preparing to sell your home, having the right documents is crucial for securing a good sale price and avoiding delays. To make the process of organizing and cross-referencing your paperwork easier, here’s a straightforward list to follow. 📂🔍
1 - Identity Verification 🆔
Start with the basics! To comply with anti-money laundering regulations, estate agents, conveyancers, and mortgage lenders will need to confirm your identity. A passport or driver’s license, along with a recent utility bill or bank statement (dated within the last 3 months), should suffice.
2 - Land Registry Title Documents 🏠📜
These documents confirm your ownership of the property. If you’ve misplaced them, you can obtain a replacement from the Land Registry for a small fee of £3. For properties that aren’t registered (about 15% of them), you’ll need specialised conveyancing services for a “first registration.”
3 - Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 💡
If you already have an EPC, you can find it on the government’s online EPC database. They remain valid for 10 years, so you may still have one from when you purchased the property. If not, it’s a legal requirement to get one before listing your home for sale.
*TOP TIP* If you’ve upgraded your home’s energy efficiency, even if you have a valid EPC, it may be worthwhile to obtain a new one. This will highlight the improvements and present the true energy rating of your home to potential buyers.
4 - Leasehold Essentials 📔
For leasehold properties, gather details of the lease, especially the remaining duration. You’ll also need to obtain the leasehold information pack from the freeholder or managing agent.
5 - New Build Warranties 🏗️
If your home is a new build or under 10 years old, provide the new home build certificate you received when you bought the property.
6 - Gas Safety Certification 🌡️
While not a legal requirement for selling, a Gas Safety certificate can reassure potential buyers about the property’s safety standards, particularly if your boiler has been serviced recently. However, landlords are required to provide this certification.
7 - Electrical Checks ⚡️
Have you made any electrical updates since 2005? Be sure to obtain a 'Part P Building Regulation Certificate'. Sellers are not legally obligated to provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report, unless alterations were made.
8 - Windows (FENSA or CERTASS) 🪟
If you’ve replaced any windows since moving in, a FENSA or CERTASS certificate is necessary to confirm that they meet building regulations. Be sure to provide these to your conveyancer.
9 - Planning Permissions & Building Regulation Certificates 📄🚧
Include approvals and permissions for any changes or additions you’ve made to the property. Also, disclose details of any non-compliant changes or ongoing projects.
10 - Guarantees & Warranties 📜🔧
Gather any guarantees for damp treatments, appliances, or similar items. Think about any fixtures or appliances you plan to leave behind, as these could add value to your sale.
11 - Additional Documents & Material Facts 📌
Be transparent about key aspects of your property, such as a history of flooding or non-standard construction, as estate agents are required to inform potential buyers. Don’t forget to include any Party Wall Agreements, insurance policies, or restrictive covenants.
By organising these documents and maintaining transparency, you can ensure a smoother home sale process!
