Selling a house in the UK involves more than finding a buyer and agreeing a price. Estate agents, solicitors, mortgage lenders and buyers may all ask for documents before the sale can move forward.
Preparing key paperwork early can help reduce delays once an offer is accepted.
Proof of identity
Your estate agent and solicitor will usually ask for identity documents.
This may include:
- passport
- UK driving licence
- certified ID copy, if requested
- proof of address
- name change document, if applicable
Your name should match the property records and solicitor forms.
Proof of address
Proof of address is usually needed for identity and anti-money laundering checks.
Common documents include:
- utility bill
- council tax bill
- bank statement
- mortgage statement
- driving licence
- HMRC letter
The document should be recent and show your full name and current address.
Title deeds and ownership records
Your solicitor will check ownership through Land Registry records. If your property is unregistered, older title deeds may be especially important.
You may need:
- title register
- title plan
- old title deeds
- transfer documents
- purchase completion statement
- mortgage documents
If you cannot find older papers, tell your solicitor early.
Mortgage details
If you still have a mortgage, your solicitor will need details so the loan can be repaid on completion.
Useful documents include:
- mortgage account number
- lender details
- mortgage statement
- redemption statement
- correspondence from lender
Your solicitor will usually request the final redemption figure before completion.
Property information forms
Sellers usually complete standard forms about the property. These may cover boundaries, disputes, alterations, guarantees, utilities and fixtures.
Complete these carefully. Incorrect or incomplete answers can cause delays or problems later.
Planning and building documents
If you have made changes to the property, buyers may ask for evidence.
This may include:
- planning permission
- building regulation approval
- completion certificates
- listed building consent
- extension documents
- loft conversion paperwork
- structural calculations
- architect drawings
Missing paperwork can delay the sale or lead to extra enquiries.
Guarantees and certificates
Buyers often ask for guarantees or certificates connected to the property.
Useful documents include:
- boiler service record
- gas safety certificate, if relevant
- electrical installation certificate
- FENSA certificate for windows
- damp proofing guarantee
- roof guarantee
- new build warranty
- appliance warranties
Keep these in one folder if possible.
Leasehold documents
If you are selling a leasehold property, extra documents may be needed.
This can include:
- lease
- service charge statements
- ground rent information
- management pack
- buildings insurance schedule
- major works notices
- freeholder or managing agent details
Leasehold management packs can take time to obtain, so request them early.
Energy performance certificate
Most homes need an energy performance certificate before marketing. Estate agents often arrange this, but you may already have a valid certificate.
Check whether your EPC is still valid and available before listing the property.
Name change documents
If your current name differs from the name on the property title, you may need evidence linking the names.
Useful documents include:
- marriage certificate
- change of name deed
- divorce document
- statutory declaration
- previous passport
Name differences should be raised with your solicitor early.
Common mistakes to avoid
House sales are often delayed by missing documents.
Common issues include:
- leasehold pack requested too late
- building regulation certificate missing
- FENSA certificate unavailable
- title name does not match current ID
- mortgage account details missing
- property forms incomplete
- old disputes not disclosed
- guarantees cannot be found
- unregistered title deeds missing
Final thoughts
Selling a house in the UK is smoother when your paperwork is organised before you accept an offer. Important documents include proof of identity, proof of address, title records, mortgage details, property forms, planning documents, guarantees and leasehold information.
If anything is missing, tell your solicitor early so they can advise on the next steps and avoid delays later in the sale.