Legal Disclosure Requirements for Selling a House in the UK
If you have recently put your house on the market, there will be several things you need to prepare in case you receive an offer or queries about the property come from a buyer’s conveyancer or solicitor. While certain property information items are legally required when selling a property, there are also additional details or documents that, although not compulsory, are recommended to help speed up the process and potentially avoid any disputes in the future.
What Do You Legally Have to Disclose When Selling a House?
Our conveyancing team looks at some key information that buyers should look out for and outlines the seller’s obligations when selling a house.
Property Information Forms When Selling a House:
- The Property Information Form (TA6 Form): Although it is not currently compulsory to do so, (mandatory use may be introduced in March 2026 for Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) Members) completing the TA6 Form when selling a property is highly recommended. Completing this form provides important information for a buyer and covers various aspects of the property, including boundaries, disputes, alterations, guarantees, and environmental issues. However, sellers who choose to complete a TA6 form must ensure that the information provided is accurate, complete and that any information about the property’s condition and any known problems is not misleading.
- The Fixtures and Fittings Form (TA10 Form): The Fixtures and Fittings Form, also known as the TA10, is a requirement of the conveyancing process and forms part of the contract pack for the sale of a property. The TA10 form requires sellers to list all fixtures, which include items such as bathroom suites, kitchen units, boilers and plumbing, etc, as well as fittings, which could include items like carpets, curtains, sofas or other furniture, white goods, and garden furniture included in the sale. It clarifies which items are part of the property and which items will be removed before the property sale is completed.
Providing Title Deeds and Proof of Ownership:
- Title Deeds and Ownership Documentation: When selling a property, the seller’s conveyancer should provide proof of property ownership, typically via a copy of the digital register when the property has been registered with Her Majesty’s Land Registry or via title deeds if it is unregistered. These documents include evidence of ownership and rights over the property, as well as the right to sell the property. The seller’s conveyancer should also verify that the property’s boundaries on the ground match those stated in the register or title deeds, and that there are no discrepancies regarding ownership or boundary locations.
Guarantees and Warranties That Must Be Passed on
- Guarantees and Warranties: If a property has undergone any significant repairs or updates, the seller should provide copies and receipts of the work undertaken, including existing guarantees and warranties that transfer to the new owner. This includes warranties for any electrical goods or other fixtures and fittings that are being left behind. This helps buyers understand the extent of protection they will have after purchasing the property. Sellers who have replaced the windows in their property should also provide a FENSA or CERTASS certificate to prove that the windows comply with building regulations. You can also search for certificates on the FENSA and CERTASS websites.
Planning Permission and Building Regulation Certificates
- Building Regulation Certificates and Planning Permissions: If the property has undergone significant alterations or renovations, sellers are required to provide evidence that the correct consents and approvals were obtained when carrying out and completing these works. This is especially important if the home is a listed building or the property is located in a conservation area, where specialist consent must be obtained to carry out any alterations.
Environmental and Flood Risk Information
- Environmental and Flood Risk: When buying a property, the buyer’s solicitor will likely advise that various enquiries and searches, including those related to the property’s flood risk and environmental contamination, are undertaken. Sellers should also ensure that information regarding any ongoing disputes with neighbouring properties that could affect the buyer’s decision is disclosed.
Neighbour Disputes and Legal Complaints You Must Declare
- Information about Disputes or Complaints: If there have been any disputes or complaints related to the property or its neighbourhood, sellers must inform potential buyers. This information includes disputes with neighbours, planning disputes, or any other legal issues.
What Buyers Learn from the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): A property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before it is put on the market, so a seller is legally obliged to have one before they sell their property. Certificates can be obtained via the government database, and due to new changes and stricter energy performance checks, which came into force in June 2025, the latest certificates now depend much more on the paperwork homeowners can provide. You can find details of a property’s energy certificate here: https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.
Utility Providers and Ongoing Property Contracts
- Utilities and Service Providers: Sellers should provide details of any current utility providers, such as gas, water, electricity, etc., and any ongoing contracts associated with the property.
Key Leasehold Disclosures for Flats and Leasehold Properties
- Leasehold Information (If Applicable): For leasehold properties, sellers must disclose relevant information, including lease terms, ground rent, service charges, and any ongoing legal or financial disputes.
What Happens if I don’t Disclose Something Important When Selling My House?
You should never exclude information you know should be provided. Failing to be fully transparent about issues with the property, such as property defects or neighbour disputes, would be in breach of a seller’s obligations. This can lead to claims for misrepresentation or breach of contract if the buyer later discovers undisclosed issues with the property or existing issues with a neighbour that could lead to a dispute.
Residential Conveyancing Solicitors in Kingston
At Rose & Rose, our team of experienced residential conveyancing solicitors understands the intricacies of the residential and commercial property market. We have extensive knowledge of the legal requirements and processes involved in buying and selling properties in Kingston, London and across the UK, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction for our clients.
Our solicitors are well-versed in preparing and reviewing all necessary disclosure documents, including the TA6 Form and TA10 Form, with meticulous attention to detail. We recognise the importance of accurate and comprehensive disclosures in building trust between buyers and sellers.
Our Expertise
With a deep understanding of property law, we guide our clients through every step of the selling process, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. From dealing with title deeds and investigating property ownership histories, to carrying out relevant checks and verifying planning permissions and building regulations, we ensure that our clients’ best interests are secured.
Furthermore, our dedicated conveyancing solicitors excel in explaining complex legal jargon to clients in a clear and accessible manner, empowering them to make informed decisions about their property transactions. We are committed to providing reliable, cost-effective, professional services, prioritising our clients’ needs.
Whether selling a residential property, or purchasing your dream home, you can trust our highly skilled property teams to deliver exceptional results. For specialist property advice from experienced, regulated conveyancing solicitors, contact a member of our team below to discuss the best way forward for you.
Read our previous articles for related information:
How can you speed up the Conveyancing Process?
Resolving Disputes Over Misrepresentation in Residential Property Sales
Our Expertise – CQS Accredited Law Firm
Rose & Rose is proud to be an accredited member of the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). The CQS provides a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices. Being a member of the CQS establishes a level of credibility in terms of the firm’s adherence to good practice and management standards, as well as the implementation of prudent and efficient conveyancing procedures through the CQS protocol. [link image to https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/firm-accreditations/conveyancing-quality-scheme]
What Our Clients Say About Us
“I recently used Rose & Rose Solicitors for the sale of my London flat and the whole process was smooth from start to finish. They kept me regularly informed of progress and explained everything clearly, without overwhelming legal jargon. What really stood out was their availability, even over the weekend, when a bank IT issue delayed the final transfer. Their support helped get everything over the line with minimal stress. Highly recommended.”
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This blog post is not intended to be taken as advice or acted upon, and information may have changed since publication. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our team of solicitors.
