1. Define your constraints
Record your desired date and minimum financial outcome after mortgage redemption and selling costs. Get debt advice if arrears or a shortfall are involved. Confirm all owners agree or that the necessary authority is in place.
2. Collect documents and checks
Request your adviser’s current forms and gather title, mortgage and building-work records. Leasehold, inherited and tenanted homes have additional information needs. Check the EPC position before marketing.
3. Prepare honestly for viewings
Make access safe, clear avoidable clutter and organise evidence for defects or repairs. Do not conceal damp, movement or known legal issues. Spend on repairs only after comparing quotes and likely benefits.
4. Compare and commit carefully
Verify the buyer’s funds and written conditions. Compare net proceeds, legal fees, restrictions and outstanding checks. Get independent advice before signing and confirm the binding stage with your solicitor.
Once dates are confirmed, plan removals, key handover and verified payment instructions. Keep the checklist updated if the buyer or terms change.
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Sources & review
Last reviewed:
A general England and Wales preparation checklist, not a mandatory list for every sale. Your conveyancer will identify relevant forms and evidence; TA7 is also used for leasehold sales. Certificates and special-situation documents depend on your property. Resource links are not endorsements; professional services and replacement documents may charge fees. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different processes.
- GOV.UK — How to sell a home
England and Wales: selling costs, paperwork, leasehold information, valuations, chains and legally binding exchange (sections 2–7, 16–17 and 21–22).
- GOV.UK — Energy Performance Certificates
An EPC must normally be ordered before marketing for sale or rent; exemptions apply.
- HM Land Registry — Property ownership information
England and Wales: title information is available online; an information copy differs from an official copy for legal use.
- The Law Society — Transaction forms
England and Wales: TA6, TA10 and leasehold forms support conveyancing. Obtain the appropriate current forms from your conveyancer.
- FENSA — Replacement certificates
Replacement certificates are available for installations covered by FENSA; not every window installation is covered by this scheme.
- Electrical Safety First — EICRs and house sales
An EICR is not a blanket legal requirement for selling an owner-occupied home. Rented-property obligations are separate.
- LEASE — Buying and selling leasehold property
Lease terms and management information matter to leasehold sales; relevant documents and obligations depend on the lease.
Review dates record our source check, not the date a rule took effect. Rules can change; check the linked guidance before acting. Legal processes differ across the UK.
Sources & review
Last reviewed:
A general England and Wales preparation checklist, not a mandatory list for every sale. Your conveyancer will identify relevant forms and evidence; TA7 is also used for leasehold sales. Certificates and special-situation documents depend on your property. Resource links are not endorsements; professional services and replacement documents may charge fees. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different processes.
- GOV.UK — How to sell a home
England and Wales: selling costs, paperwork, leasehold information, valuations, chains and legally binding exchange (sections 2–7, 16–17 and 21–22).
- GOV.UK — Energy Performance Certificates
An EPC must normally be ordered before marketing for sale or rent; exemptions apply.
- HM Land Registry — Property ownership information
England and Wales: title information is available online; an information copy differs from an official copy for legal use.
- The Law Society — Transaction forms
England and Wales: TA6, TA10 and leasehold forms support conveyancing. Obtain the appropriate current forms from your conveyancer.
- FENSA — Replacement certificates
Replacement certificates are available for installations covered by FENSA; not every window installation is covered by this scheme.
- Electrical Safety First — EICRs and house sales
An EICR is not a blanket legal requirement for selling an owner-occupied home. Rented-property obligations are separate.
- LEASE — Buying and selling leasehold property
Lease terms and management information matter to leasehold sales; relevant documents and obligations depend on the lease.
Review dates record our source check, not the date a rule took effect. Rules can change; check the linked guidance before acting. Legal processes differ across the UK.