Selling Your Home? Here’s What You’ll Need to Have Ready

Your simple guide to the documents, certificates and forms you’ll need – and how to save £100 with Emoov this December.

Selling your home is a big step, especially if you’re doing it yourself and not using an estate agent. One of the most common mistakes sellers make is not having the right documents in place, which can delay things later on. It is wise to get your paperwork ready as early on in the process as possible; from EPCs and ID checks to legally required forms, this guide covers everything DIY sellers need to know:

Start with Proof of Identity

Before you can list your property for sale, you’ll need to prove you are who you say you are. It’s part of anti-money laundering legislation and applies to all sellers, even if you’re not using an estate agent.

You’ll need:

• A valid form of photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• A recent utility bill or bank statement as proof of address

Most estate agents, conveyancers and solicitors will ask for these up front, so have them ready at the outset.

Get Your EPC Sorted

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement when putting your property on the market for sale. It rates your property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and it will give your buyers a good idea of running costs and potential improvements.

If your EPC is more than 10 years old, it’s now invalid, so now’s the time to book a new one. If it is still in date by a few years you might also consider getting it refreshed, as more modern methods of assessment can mean a higher score for your home. Emoov can help you get an EPC arranged with a local accredited assessor.

Penalties for not having an EPC can reach £5,000, so don’t leave it to chance. Legally, you must use reasonable effort to obtain the EPC within the first 7 days of marketing, although, a further 21-day grace is allowed, giving you a total of 28 days from the date the property goes on the market.

The Legal Forms You’ll Need to Fill In

Once a buyer makes an offer, you’ll be asked to complete a few standard forms that are part of the conveyancing [selling] process.

TA6 - The Property Information Form

This gives buyers key information about the home, such as:

• Boundaries and disputes
• Planning permissions
• Services (gas, water, broadband)
• Insurance claims
• Damp, flooding or Japanese knotweed

TA10 – Fixtures and Fittings Form

This lists exactly what’s included in the sale, from carpets and curtain rails to garden sheds. It’s legally binding, so make sure it’s accurate.

This is the form that often takes the longest to complete, so from the outset, start thinking about what you would be happy to include in the sale price, what you would be happy to sell to the purchaser for an additional sum, or what you definitely need to take with you, get rid of, or donate to charity!

TA7 – Leasehold Information (if applicable)

If you’re selling a leasehold property, this form provides:

• Ground rent and service charges
• Details of any management company
• Insurance and planned works
• Asbestos or fire safety reviews

All of these are required by solicitors and must be completed accurately to avoid delays.

Essential Safety & Compliance Certificates

While some of these aren’t strictly mandatory for every sale, having them ready reassures buyers and speeds up the process.

• Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) – a document issued by a qualified electrician to confirm that any new electrical installation, or significant alteration to an existing one, complies with safety standards like BS 7671. It is legally required for "notifiable" work, such as installing a new electricity circuit or a new consumer unit, and includes test results and details of the work carried out. The certificate is an important legal document that must be kept by the homeowner and presented to buyers.
• Boiler Installation Certificate – officially known as a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate, is issued after a new or replacement boiler is installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer in order to confirm that the installation was done correctly and in compliance with building regulations. This certificate is crucial proof of a safe and legal installation and is needed when you sell your property.
• Gas Safety Record – not legally required to sell, but highly recommended and often requested by buyers to provide reassurance about the property's gas appliances.
• FENSA Certificate – certifies the replacement of windows, doors, roof windows, or roof lights complies with Building Regulations. This certification is important for proving the legality of the work, especially when selling your property.

If you’re missing any of the above, don’t panic. In many cases, an indemnity policy or retrospective sign-off from a registered engineer can resolve things.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

If you’ve made structural changes to your home (like an extension, loft conversion or major renovation), you’ll need:

• Planning permission documents
• Building regulations approval certificates

Missing paperwork can be a red flag to buyers and mortgage lenders, so it’s worth tracking it down before your sale gets underway.

Selling a Share of Freehold?

If you own a share of the freehold (this is usually for flats, maisonettes or small apartment blocks), make sure that you have your share certificate or membership paperwork ready. Buyers will need this as part of the sale.

Bonus Tip

Save £100 with Emoov This December

To make selling even easier this month, Emoov is offering £100 off listings for sellers who book in December.

So if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s a great time to take the plunge, get organised, and get your home on the market. The bonus is the “Boxing Day Bounce” - every year there are record viewers looking at property from Boxing Day through to the start of the New Year, the perfect time to find your home’s next owner!

To redeem your code, simply email Emoov and we’ll send it straight to you.

Final Thoughts

Getting your paperwork sorted early is one of the best ways to avoid hold-ups and reduce stress when selling your home. And when you're selling the DIY way with Emoov, having everything to hand gives you full control – and full confidence.

Need help with documents, photos or getting your EPC? Emoov's support tools are here when you need them.

Image is from a property for sale December 2025. A True, Ultra Modern Gem in the Heart of Chidham. For more details see here.