The Ultimate UK Conveyancing Documents Checklist for Buyers and Sellers
By Homey
•
26 Sept 2025
Navigating the UK property market can often feel like you're trying to read a map in a foreign language, especially when it comes to the mountain of paperwork. But what if you had a clear, simple guide to every document you'll encounter? Whether you're buying your first home, selling a beloved property, or doing both at the same time, understanding these crucial documents is the key to a smooth, transparent, and successful transaction. This guide is your ultimate checklist, breaking down every piece of paper, so you can move forward with confidence.
For the Home Buyer: Your Document Checklist to Ownership
Buying a home is a journey, and these documents are your roadmap. From proving you can afford the property to the final transfer of ownership, here’s what you'll need.
I. Pre-Contract Stage: Laying the Foundation
This initial phase is all about due diligence. Your solicitor will gather and review a host of documents to ensure the property you're buying is a sound investment.
A. Proof of Identity and Funds: Before anything else, you must prove you are who you say you are and that you have the money to proceed.
Photo Identification: Your current Passport or driving licence.
Proof of Address: A recent utility bill or bank statement (typically less than three months old).
Proof of Funds: This can include bank statements showing your deposit, a formal letter if the deposit is a gift, or details of your savings accounts.
Mortgage in Principle: A crucial document from a lender that confirms they are prepared to lend you a specific amount, strengthening your position as a serious buyer.
B. The Seller's Information Pack: This is the core set of documents that tells you everything about the property you intend to buy.
Draft Contract: The initial version of the legal agreement, setting out the price, names of the parties, and other key terms of the sale.
Property Information Form (TA6): A detailed questionnaire completed by the seller, revealing vital information about boundaries, neighbour disputes, warranties, and any building work carried out.
Fittings and Contents Form (TA10): A clear list specifying exactly what is included in the sale, from carpets and curtains to the garden shed.
Title Plan and Register: Official copies from the Land Registry that legally prove the seller's ownership and outline any restrictions or rights of way affecting the property.
Leasehold Information Pack (if applicable): For flats or leasehold houses, this pack contains the lease itself, service charge accounts, and other critical information from the freeholder or managing agent.
C. Property Searches: Your solicitor will order these to uncover hidden issues.
Local Authority Searches: Reveals information on planning permissions, building control issues, or whether the road is maintained by the council.
Environmental Searches: Checks for contaminated land or flood risks.
Water and Drainage Searches: Confirms the property is connected to mains water and drainage.
II. Exchange and Completion: Sealing the Deal
Once you are happy with the results of the searches and enquiries, you move towards the legally binding part of the transaction.
Mortgage Offer: The official, legally binding loan confirmation from your mortgage lender.
Buildings Insurance Policy: You are legally required to have buildings insurance in place from the day you exchange contracts.
Signed Contract: You will sign the final, agreed-upon version of the contract.
Transfer Deed (TR1): The legal document that, upon completion, officially transfers the property's ownership from the seller to you.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) Return: Your solicitor will complete and file this tax return on your behalf.
Completion Statement: A final financial summary from your solicitor, breaking down all payments, including the purchase price, legal fees, and Stamp Duty.
For the Home Seller: Your Paperwork for a Successful Sale
To ensure a swift sale, your job is to provide clear, accurate, and complete information to the buyer.
I. Initial Preparations: Getting Your House in Order
Being prepared from the outset can significantly speed up the process.
Proof of Identity: Just like a buyer, you'll need to provide a photo ID and proof of address.
Title Deeds: If you have the old paper deeds, you must provide them. If your property is registered, your solicitor will download the official copies.
Property Information Form (TA6): Complete this with honesty and to the best of your knowledge. Any inaccuracies could cause issues later.
Fittings and Contents Form (TA10): Be precise about what you are leaving behind to prevent any misunderstandings.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): You must have a valid EPC to legally market your property for sale.
II. Responding to Enquiries and Exchange
During this stage, you'll provide evidence to back up the claims made in the TA6 form.
Supporting Documents for the TA6 Form: This could include planning permissions, building regulation completion certificates, FENSA certificates for windows, or gas safety certificates.
Leasehold Documents (if applicable): You will need to provide your copy of the lease and request a Management Information Pack from your freeholder or managing agent.
Signed Contract: You will sign the final contract in readiness for the exchange.
III. Completion: Handing Over the Keys
This is the final step where ownership is officially transferred.
Signed Transfer Deed (TR1): You will sign this to give your solicitor the authority to transfer the property to the buyer on completion day.
Mortgage Redemption Statement: Your solicitor will get a final repayment figure from your mortgage lender.
Estate Agent's Invoice: Your solicitor will need this to pay their commission from the sale proceeds.
Completion Statement: A final breakdown from your solicitor showing the sale price, minus the mortgage redemption, legal fees, and estate agent fees, leaving the final balance that will be sent to you.
For the Mover: The Dual Document Challenge
When you're selling one property and buying another, organisation is everything. You are essentially running two transactions in parallel.
I. Synchronising the Transactions
The ultimate goal is to have both your sale and purchase exchange and complete on the same day.
Coordinated Timelines: You will be managing the flow of seller documents for your current home and reviewing the buyer documents for your new one.
Financial Documents: Your solicitor will prepare an Equity Statement, showing how the money from your sale will be used for your purchase. If there's a time gap between your sale and purchase, you might need Bridging Loan Documents.
II. The Importance of a Proactive Approach
Early Document Gathering: Have all your selling documents ready the moment your property goes on the market.
Prompt Responses: Answering enquiries from your buyer's solicitor quickly is crucial. Any delay on your sale will directly impact the timeline for your purchase.
By familiarising yourself with these essential documents, you transform from a passive passenger into a confident driver of your property journey, ensuring you reach your destination with minimal stress.
How Homey Can Help You
At Homey, we understand that the conveyancing process can be daunting. That's why we've leveraged technology to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our platform allows you to manage your entire conveyancing journey digitally, from start to finish.
We offer:
Free Consultation: We provide a complimentary consultation where our experts help you understand the conveyancing process, identify your specific needs, and assist you in finding and choosing the right conveyancer for your property type and situation.
Digital Workflow: Our intuitive online portal allows for secure document exchange, real-time updates, and easy communication with your chosen conveyancer, all from the comfort of your home.
Expert Guidance: Beyond just connecting you with a conveyancer, Homey acts as your advocate, guiding you through each step of the process and representing your interests to ensure a transparent and efficient transaction. We're here to answer your questions, clarify complex legal jargon, and keep your purchase on track.
Streamlined Communication: Say goodbye to endless phone tag and email chains. Our platform centralises all communication, making it easy to stay informed and address any queries promptly.
With Homey, you're not just getting a digital service; you're gaining a partner dedicated to making your homeownership dream a reality with confidence and ease.
