We live in the age of information, so it should come as no surprise that when you sell a home, you’re expected to answer a whole host of questions about the property.
Some of these will be straightforward and logical, while others may seem more left of field.
To help speed up the process - and ensure that you’re not the slow link in any property chain - it’s best to prepare your paperwork early.
So while you’re busy decluttering and tidying in advance of listing, it’s also useful to gather all the information you have about your property in one place.
Providing as much information as possible up front improves transparency and can help reduce the risk of a sale falling through.
Who is asking the questions, and what do they want to know?
The first person who will request information will be your estate agent. They will ask you to complete a form (known as a TA6) about the basic details of your property.
This covers things like the number of rooms, Council Tax band and whether the property is leasehold (in which case you’ll need to provide details about ground rent and service charges).
There are also questions about energy performance certificates, water supply, drainage and flood risks.
The information that you provide about the property should be truthful and not misleading.
If you don’t understand a question or are unsure of the answer, it’s best to speak to your agent (later down the line, you can also talk to your solicitor).
Once your property has been listed, and you’ve agreed on a deal with a buyer, you can expect more questions.
Your solicitor, the buyer, and your buyer’s solicitor will likely have queries.
Respond promptly and don't be offended by questions - often these are procedural.
It’s also worth noting that, over the years, we’ve seen our fair share of weird and wonderful questions from buyers, but recently these seem to be on the increase.
The reasons for this are up for debate. Is it because buyers are more cautious or more price-sensitive?
Or is it linked to AI, with buyers increasingly using tools like Claude or ChatGPT to compile long lists of questions for sellers?
Whatever the cause, don’t take it personally or get defensive, just focus on keeping your property sale on track.
Here’s a list of some of the other information you could be asked to provide.
- Details about restrictive covenants.
- Party wall agreements.
- Planning permission documentation.
- New build warranties.
- Title deeds or Land Registry documents.
- Paperwork linked to gas safety checks and boiler warranties.
- FENSA certificates if you’ve installed new windows.
- Any details about remedial works carried out on the property or sewage and drainage problems.
- Details of your mortgage (so your solicitor can notify the lender).
- Information about the fixtures and fittings included in the sale.
- Details about any mineshafts located nearby.
- Proof of ID.
If you’re looking to buy or sell a property, get in touch with us today. We’re the local property experts and we’re here to help.
*This article is to be used as a guide only and does not constitute an exhaustive list. Always consult a legal expert before buying or selling a property.