The Short Answer
When selling a property, you will be asked to complete a number of forms about your home. These provide the buyer with important information that only you, as the owner, are likely to know.
Completing the forms carefully and accurately helps your conveyancer prepare the contract papers, enables the buyer to make informed decisions, and can help avoid unnecessary delays later in the transaction.
Why Are These Forms Important?
Your conveyancer can investigate the legal title to your property, but there are many things that only you can answer.
For example:
- Have you had any disputes with your neighbours?
- Have you carried out any alterations to the property?
- Are there any guarantees or warranties?
- What fixtures and fittings are included in the sale?
- Have there been any notices affecting the property?
The forms provide the buyer with information that is not recorded at HM Land Registry but may still be important to their decision to proceed.
What Forms Will I Usually Be Asked to Complete?
The forms you complete will depend on the type of property you are selling, but they commonly include:
- Property Information Form (TA6)
This provides general information about the property, including boundaries, disputes, notices, alterations, services, planning matters and other important details.
- Fixtures and Contents Form (TA10)
This confirms what will be included in the sale, such as kitchen appliances, carpets, light fittings, curtain poles, garden items and other fixtures or fittings.
- Leasehold Information Form (TA7)
If your property is leasehold, you may also be asked to complete this form, which provides information about the lease, service charges, ground rent and managing agents.
Your conveyancer will let you know which forms apply to your transaction.
What If I Don't Know the Answer?
Don't guess.
If you're unsure about any question, speak to your conveyancer before completing the form.
It is usually better to explain that you do not know or to provide additional clarification than to make assumptions that may later prove to be incorrect.
Why Does My Conveyancer Ask Questions About My Answers?
Once you've completed the forms, your conveyancer will review them carefully.
If anything is unclear or further information is needed, they may ask you additional questions before sending the contract papers to the buyer's conveyancer.
This helps ensure the information provided is as clear and complete as possible.
What Happens If Something Changes?
If anything changes before completion—for example, you receive a notice from your local authority, a dispute arises, or information you have provided is no longer accurate—you should let your conveyancer know as soon as possible.
It may be necessary to update the information given to the buyer.
Top Tip
Take your time when completing the forms.
Accurate and complete information at the start of the transaction can often reduce the number of enquiries raised later and help your sale progress more smoothly.
In Practice...
Many of the enquiries raised by a buyer's conveyancer relate to information contained within the seller's forms.
Forms that are completed carefully, supported by relevant documents where available, often reduce the need for further clarification and help keep the transaction moving.
Did You Know?
The information you provide in the seller's forms may be relied upon by the buyer when deciding whether to proceed with the purchase.
If you are unsure about any answer, your conveyancer will be happy to discuss it with you before the forms are submitted.