Documents to prepare before you sell

Extension on Your Property

If you’ve added an extension to your home, it’s important to have the right documents ready to ensure a smooth sale process. Here’s what you’ll need and where to find them:  

• Planning Permission: Proof that you received approval from your local authority to build the extension.
  Where to find it: Check your emails or correspondence from your local council. If you can’t locate it, contact the planning department of your local authority.

• Building Control Completion Certificate: This confirms the extension meets building regulations and was inspected upon completion.
  Where to find it: Look for paperwork or certificates provided by your builder or the local council. If you’re missing this, you can contact the building control department of your local authority for a copy.  

• Restrictions on Title: Check your property’s title for any restrictions that might affect the extension, such as covenants or agreements limiting what can be built.
  Where to find it: Your solicitor or conveyancer should have access to your title deeds. If you don’t have these, you can request a copy from HM Land Registry (for properties in England and Wales).

Leasehold Property

If you're selling a leasehold property, you’ll need to gather the following documents:

• Management Pack: A bundle of documents from the property management company detailing the management of the building, service charges, and any upcoming works or fees.
  Where to find it: Request the management pack from the managing agent or freeholder of the property. It may take some time, so plan ahead.

• Ground Rent Accounts: Records showing any ground rent payments made for the property.
  Where to find it: Check your past correspondence or account statements from the freeholder or managing agent. If you can't find them, ask your managing agent or freeholder for a copy.

Probate

If the property is being sold under probate (after someone’s death), you’ll need the following documents:

• Death Certificate: Official proof of the person’s death.
  Where to find it: The death certificate can be obtained from the registry office where the death was registered.

• Power of Attorney: If you are acting on behalf of the deceased, this legal document gives you the authority to manage their affairs.
  Where to find it: If you’re the appointed attorney, you should already have this document. If not, contact the solicitor who arranged the power of attorney, or check your own records.

Relationship Breakdown

If you’re selling due to a relationship breakdown, you'll need the following documents:

• Divorce Certificate: Official documentation confirming that the divorce has been finalised.
  Where to find it: This certificate is issued by the court where the divorce was granted. You can request a copy from the court or through your solicitor.

• Marriage Certificate: A copy of your marriage certificate.
  Where to find it: You can request this from the General Register Office (GRO) or from the registry office where the marriage took place.

Repossession

If your property is being sold due to repossession, you’ll need to prove ownership:

• Proof of Ownership: Documentation showing that you are the legal owner of the property.
  Where to find it: You can obtain proof of ownership from your solicitor, or you can get a copy of your title deeds from the Land Registry if they aren’t in your possession.