What documents do I need for Conveyancing?
11 minute read
Date Published - April 15th 2025
Date Updated - April 18th 2025
11 minute read
Date Published - April 15th 2025
Date Updated - April 18th 2025
Whether you're buying your first home or preparing to sell, navigating the conveyancing process can feel like a maze of paperwork. But knowing what’s required from the start can take a lot of the stress out of the journey.
To help make things clearer, GloverPriest’s experienced conveyancing solicitors have pulled together this essential guide, highlighting the key documents you’ll need and why they matter. From proof of ID to title deeds, having everything in order ensures a smoother, more efficient transaction from beginning to end.
Thinking of buying or selling? Our friendly, expert property lawyers are here to support you at every step. As members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, we follow rigorous standards to ensure your transaction is handled with care and precision.
Contact our team today for personalised legal advice.
Buying a home is a major milestone, but it certainly comes with its fair share of paperwork. Having the right documents ready from the start not only keeps things moving but also gives everyone involved confidence that the transaction can proceed smoothly.
Whether you're a first-time buyer or moving up the ladder, knowing what’s needed (and why) can save you time, stress, and unnecessary delays.
Before anything else, your solicitor will need to confirm who you are. You’ll be asked to provide valid proof of identity, such as a current passport or driving licence, along with recent proof of address, like a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months.
This isn’t just red tape – it's a legal requirement under The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. These regulations are in place to help prevent property fraud and money laundering, ensuring that all parties involved in the transaction are acting lawfully. Your solicitor must carry out these checks before they can proceed, so having clear, up-to-date documents ready will help avoid any delays.
If you’re not a cash buyer with proof of funds, securing a mortgage in principle (MIP) shows you're serious and financially capable of securing a mortgage. While it’s not a legal requirement, some sellers are less likely to accept an offer from a ‘borrower’ because there is no guarantee they can afford the cost.
What is a Mortgage in Principle?
This document outlines the amount a lender is willing to offer based on your income and credit profile. Most lenders provide this document quickly, and having one helps you make competitive offers on properties.
You need proof of funds to demonstrate that you can afford the deposit and any additional costs associated with the purchase. Bank statements, P60s, or statements from investments show your financial capacity. Providing this information reassures your conveyancing lawyers (and the seller) that you're a serious buyer.
The mortgage offer acts as formal confirmation from your lender that they’ll provide you with funds to purchase the property. It includes the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment terms. Review your mortgage offer carefully, as it outlines your obligations. Unless you’re a cash buyer, your solicitor will rely on this document to progress the conveyancing process.
Deposit details typically include the amount you'll pay upfront to secure the property. This payment reflects your commitment to the purchase. You should always discuss with your conveyancer how to pay the deposit and confirm the specific amount required to facilitate the transaction smoothly.
If you’re getting ready to sell your home, having the right paperwork in order from the start can make a big difference. It helps your solicitor move quickly, builds trust with potential buyers, and can prevent unnecessary delays later down the line. Whether it’s proof of ownership or energy certificates, each document plays a part in keeping the transaction smooth and stress-free.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before putting your home on the market:
Just like when buying, sellers must prove who they are before the legal process can begin. A valid passport or driving licence, alongside a recent utility bill or bank statement, is usually sufficient. These checks aren’t optional; they’re a legal requirement under The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017, designed to prevent fraud and confirm your identity. Your solicitor is required to complete this due diligence before progressing with your sale.
Title deeds confirm you’re the legal owner of the property and are usually held electronically by HM Land Registry. If the property hasn’t changed hands in decades, your deeds may still be in paper format - often stored with your mortgage lender or solicitor. These documents detail any existing mortgages or legal charges and are vital for reassuring buyers and their solicitors that you have the right to sell.
If you’ve carried out any work on the property - from replacing windows to a full extension - you’ll need to supply relevant documents. This could include FENSA certificates, electrical installation guarantees, boiler warranties, or planning permissions and building regulations approvals. Buyers want to know that any improvements have been done properly and are legally compliant.
The TA6 form gives buyers a detailed overview of your home - from boundaries and disputes to flood risks, insurance claims and ongoing service agreements. It’s a legal document, so accuracy matters. Being open and thorough at this stage helps avoid questions later and builds buyer confidence.
The TA10 form specifies which fixtures and fittings remain with the property upon sale. You should clarify what stays, such as curtains or light fixtures, to avoid any misunderstandings. This transparency helps maintain good relations with buyers and streamlines the conveyancing process.
An EPC outlines your property's energy efficiency rating. Ensure you have a valid certificate, as it's lawfully required when selling a house. Buyers assess the EPC to understand potential energy costs, making it a crucial document during the conveyancing process.
If you’d like to find your most recent EPC, you can do so here.
If your home is leasehold, you’ll need to supply a copy of the lease, along with details of ground rent, service charges, and the freeholder or management company’s contact information. If your property is part of a shared freehold arrangement, similar documentation will be required. This helps the buyer understand the financial and legal responsibilities they’ll be taking on.
If you still have a mortgage on the property, your solicitor will need the account details and the name of your lender. This allows them to arrange repayment of your loan from the sale proceeds and ensures everything is settled properly on completion.
When you're buying or selling a property, your solicitor plays a key role in making sure everything is legally sound and properly documented. Much of the paperwork is handled behind the scenes, but knowing what’s involved can give you peace of mind — and help you feel more in control throughout the process.
Here’s a quick look at the essential documents your solicitor will take care of:
Before contracts are exchanged, your solicitor will carry out several searches to uncover anything that might affect the property, now or in the future. Local authority searches highlight planning permissions, building regulations, or nearby developments. Environmental searches look at flood risks, land contamination, and more. Water and drainage searches confirm whether the property is connected to mains services. These reports protect you from unexpected problems down the line and ensure you’re fully informed before committing to the purchase.
Your solicitor will draft and review the contract of sale, which outlines the key terms of the transaction, including the agreed price, deposit amount, proposed completion date, and any special conditions. This is the document both you and the other party will sign to legally commit to the sale. It’s their job to make sure the details are correct, fair, and understood before you sign on the dotted line.
The transfer deed - sometimes referred to as a TR1 - is what officially transfers legal ownership of the property from seller to buyer. Your solicitor will draft and submit this to HM Land Registry once the sale completes, registering you as the new legal owner. It's one of the most important documents in the process and essential for proving ownership in the future.
If you're buying a property, your solicitor will also complete and submit the SDLT return to HMRC, even if no tax is due. They'll calculate what you owe, make sure the form is accurate, and advise on any reliefs you may be eligible for — including first-time buyer relief or exemptions for shared ownership purchases. This ensures everything is filed on time, avoiding penalties or delays with your registration.
If you’re considering buying a new home after April 1st 2025, you may be keen to learn more about your Stamp Duty Land Tax obligations. You can learn more about SDLT or use our helpful calculator here.
When it comes to conveyancing, being organised can make all the difference. Whether you're buying or selling, preparing your documents in advance helps keep things moving and avoids unnecessary delays. It’s not just about gathering paperwork; it’s about making sure what you provide is complete, correct, and ready to go.
Start by creating a checklist. This will help you keep track of what’s required at each stage of the process. Your solicitor can help guide you, but being proactive early on will give you a head start.
Where possible, gather certified copies of important documents, especially if originals are difficult to replace or are held by your mortgage provider. Make sure proof of identity and address are current; typically, this means a passport or photo driving licence and a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months.
If you're buying, you’ll also need proof of deposit and your mortgage in principle ready to share with your solicitor. Sellers should locate their title deeds and start compiling any compliance certificates for work done on the property, such as window guarantees, boiler installation records, or FENSA certificates.
Don’t overlook the smaller forms, either. The TA6 and TA10 documents might seem like admin, but providing clear and accurate information early on helps build trust with buyers and prevents misunderstandings later.
Your solicitor will handle the heavy lifting when it comes to the legal paperwork - things like property searches, the draft contract, the transfer deed, and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) returns. But having your supporting documents ready from the outset gives them the best foundation to work from.
In short, the more prepared you are, the smoother your conveyancing journey will be. And if you're ever unsure what’s needed, a good conveyancing solicitor should be more than happy to help.
When you're buying or selling a home, choosing the right solicitor can make all the difference. It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about having someone you trust to guide you through one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make.
At GloverPriest, our experienced property solicitors understand how stressful the process can feel. We’re here to make it simpler, smoother, and far less daunting.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a conveyancing solicitor:
Choosing the right solicitor is about having the right people in your corner. If you want an expert conveyancing team that genuinely cares, GloverPriest are here to help.
Whether you’re buying or selling a property, you’ll find that having everything in order helps avoid unnecessary delays and complications.
At GloverPriest, we understand the challenges of navigating through the paperwork. Our experienced conveyancing solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you have all the necessary documents ready. With our support, you can approach your property transaction with confidence knowing that you’re in capable hands.
Let us help you make your property journey as smooth and efficient as possible - contact our team today.
The conveyancing process involves the legal transfer of property ownership from seller to buyer. It includes preparing and reviewing legal documents, conducting searches, and ensuring all legal requirements are met for a smooth transaction.
Essential documents for buying include proof of identity (like a passport), proof of address (such as recent utility bills), a mortgage in principle, proof of funds, and the mortgage offer from your lender. These documents ensure compliance with legal requirements.
For selling, you need proof of identity (passport or driving licence), title deeds from the Land Registry, compliance certificates, the TA6 Property Information Form, TA10 forms detailing fittings, and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to inform buyers.
Solicitors play a vital role by preparing and managing key documents, like the contract of sale and transfer deed. They conduct property searches, validate documents, assist with Stamp Duty calculations, and ensure all legal obligations are fulfilled for a smooth transaction.
Selecting the right conveyancing solicitor is crucial as it impacts the transaction's efficiency. Factors to consider include their experience, client feedback, communication style, and fee transparency. A knowledgeable local solicitor can navigate complexities effectively, providing peace of mind.
Preparation involves gathering necessary documents early, such as proof of identity and address, title deeds, and compliance certificates for sellers. For buyers, obtaining a mortgage in principle and proof of funds is essential for a smooth conveyancing process.
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