House-Moving Season is Here: Are Your Documents Prepared?

The warmth and longer daylight hours of spring encourage us all to get out of the house a little more. This also applies to prospective buyers as the brighter days can encourage more buyers to start their property search and attend viewings. Buyers, particularly with families, may also find it beneficial to begin their property search in spring to allow time to purchase and settle into their new homes before the next school year starts.

Moving home in spring may not just be more convenient but also more appealing generally. Gardens and outdoor spaces tend to be most aesthetically appealing during spring, which can enhance the attractiveness of a property. The natural light and bloom can accentuate the property’s features, again making viewings more inviting.

Memorandum of Sale

This will outline the key details of the transaction, namely the property address, the parties’ names, their solicitor’s details and the sale price.

Compliance documents

Regardless of whether you are the registered proprietor of the property or have the right to sell it on behalf of the seller, you must verify your identification.

To assist you with your solicitors’ onboarding process, we recommend having an up-to-date form of identification and proof of address in hand (for example, a utility or council bill dated within the last three months).

If you are not the registered owner of the property, you must also prove that you have the right to sell it, for example, by providing a Grant of Probate, Letters of Administration or Power of Attorney.

Energy Performance Certificate

These certificates are valid for ten years from the date of issue. A quick search of the EPC register will reveal whether you have a valid certificate or if it has expired. You must have a valid certificate to sell your property.

Guarantees/Warranties

Whether you have had to treat imperfections such as damp or Japanese Knotweed, you must disclose this to the buyer and forward any receipts or guarantees for the works undertaken. Additionally, if you have disclosed in the TA10 that you will be leaving white goods in the property, you must check whether the warranties are transferable to your buyer.

Transparency will facilitate a smoother transaction.

Planning permission consent and building regulations certificates

If you have made any alterations or extensions to the property, you will need to provide evidence that the works were compliant with building regulations and that planning permission was granted.

To front-load the transaction, pass all your certificates to your solicitor at the outset. If you are missing a certificate or permission was never granted, you should also disclose this to your solicitor without delay.

Other “material information”

As a seller, you have an overall duty to disclose all “material information” to the buyer. This includes any factors which may have a significant impact on whether they wish to purchase the property at the agreed price.

Take time to reflect upon any events that have taking place during your ownership, such as a boundary dispute or flood and provide any accompanying documentation.