What Documents Do I Need to Sell My House Quickly?
When you need to sell your house quickly, having your documents ready from day one can make all the difference. Whether you're facing repossession, relocating for work, or simply want a fast sale, missing paperwork is one of the most common causes of delays.
Here's a comprehensive guide to the essential documents you'll need to sell your house quickly in the UK.
Essential Legal Documents
Title Deeds or Official Copies
Your title deeds prove you own the property. If your mortgage is paid off, you may have the physical deeds. If you still have a mortgage, your lender holds them, but you can download official copies from the Land Registry for a small fee (usually around £3).
Your solicitor will need these to verify ownership and complete the sale.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC is a legal requirement for selling any property in England and Wales. It rates your home's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and must be less than 10 years old.
If you don't have a valid EPC, arrange for an accredited assessor to produce one — this typically costs £60–£120 and takes a few days. You can find your existing EPC or book an assessment through the government's EPC register.
Proof of Identity
Under anti-money laundering regulations, your solicitor must verify your identity. You'll need:
- Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address (recent utility bill, council tax statement, or bank statement)
Have certified copies ready to avoid delays.
Property Information Documents
TA6 Property Information Form
This standard form asks detailed questions about your property, including:
- Boundaries and disputes
- Building work and planning permissions
- Guarantees and warranties
- Drainage and utilities
- Alterations or extensions
Complete this honestly and thoroughly. If you're unsure about any question, say so rather than guessing — false information can delay or even derail a sale.
TA7 Leasehold Information Form
If you're selling a leasehold property (most flats and some houses), you'll also need the TA7 form, which covers:
- Lease details and remaining term
- Service charges and ground rent
- Buildings insurance
- Managing agent details
You'll also need a copy of the lease itself and recent service charge statements.
TA10 Fittings and Contents Form
This simple form lists what's included in the sale (curtains, appliances, garden shed) and what you're taking with you. Completing it early prevents misunderstandings later.
Additional Documents That Speed Up Sales
Building Regulations Certificates
If you've done any building work — extensions, loft conversions, new windows, electrical work — provide:
- Building Regulations completion certificates
- Planning permission documents
- FENSA certificates for windows
- Gas Safe or electrical safety certificates
If you don't have these, you may need an indemnity policy, which can delay the sale.
Guarantees and Warranties
Gather any guarantees for:
- Damp-proofing or timber treatment
- Roof work
- Boiler or heating system
- Double glazing
- Cavity wall insulation
These add value and reassure buyers.
Management Pack (Leasehold Properties)
For flats, request a management pack from your freeholder or managing agent early. This includes service charge accounts, insurance details, and building regulations — and can take several weeks to arrive.
Mortgage Statement
Get a redemption statement from your lender showing exactly how much you owe. This helps your solicitor calculate your net proceeds and ensures the mortgage is paid off on completion.
Why Documents Matter for Cash Buyers
If you're selling to a cash buyer like WE BUY IT, having your documents ready can significantly speed up the process. Cash sales avoid mortgage-related delays, but solicitors still need to complete legal checks.
With all your paperwork in order, a cash sale can complete in as little as a few weeks — sometimes faster in urgent situations like repossession or chain collapse.
Get Started Early
The key to selling your house quickly is preparation. Start gathering these documents as soon as you decide to sell, even before listing or accepting an offer.
If you need to sell quickly and want a no-obligation cash offer, WE BUY IT can help. We buy houses and flats across the UK and can work to your deadline. Call us on 01277 715089 or email info@we-buyit.co.uk to discuss your situation.