As we kick off 2026, the UK housing market shows signs of steady recovery. With the Bank of England base rate at 3.75% following cuts in 2025, mortgage rates have eased, boosting buyer confidence. Experts forecast modest house price growth of around 2-3% nationally this year, with a potentially busy start driven by first-time buyers and falling borrowing costs. In the North East, where affordability remains strong compared to the South, this could mean quicker sales for well-prepared sellers.
However, preparation is key to capitalising on this momentum. Many sellers wait until an offer is accepted before instructing a solicitor, but gathering documents and information early can shave weeks off the process. At Toomey Legal, we often see delays caused by missing paperwork, starting ahead avoids this.
Why Prepare Early?
Instructing a solicitor early,ideally when marketing your property or even before—allows us to draft the contract pack promptly. This includes the draft contract, title documents, and property information forms. Buyers’ solicitors raise enquiries based on these, so a complete pack speeds up exchanges.
Since material information rules evolved (with ongoing guidance under consumer protection laws), estate agents must disclose key details upfront on listings. Sellers providing this information early helps agents comply and attracts serious buyers faster.
Early preparation also highlights potential issues, like missing certificates or boundary disputes, giving time to resolve them without derailing a sale.
Essential Documents and Information to Gather
Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what sellers should prepare. Aim to have as much as possible ready before contacting your solicitor, this enables quick ID verification, anti-money laundering checks, and contract preparation.
1. Proof of Identity and Address
Solicitors must verify your identity under anti-money laundering regulations. Prepare:
- Photographic ID: Current passport or UK photocard driving licence.
- Proof of address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill (dated within the last three months).
- If your name has changed: Marriage certificate, deed poll, or similar.
Provide these digitally or in person early to avoid delays.
2. Property Title Documents
Most properties are registered with HM Land Registry, so we’ll obtain official copies. However, if yours is unregistered (older properties), locate the original deeds.
Also helpful:
- Any previous conveyancing documents from when you bought.
- Mortgage details: Latest statement showing account number and balance (for redemption on completion).
3. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC is mandatory before marketing your property, your estate agent will insist. It’s valid for 10 years; order one via an accredited assessor if you don’t have a current one (costs £60-£120). It rates energy efficiency and is now part of upfront material information on listings.
4. Property Information Forms
These are the core of the contract pack. Your solicitor will send you the standard Law Society forms to complete:
- TA6 Property Information Form: Detailed questionnaire covering boundaries, disputes, notices, planning permissions, building works, services (e.g., mains drainage), environmental matters (flood risk, radon), rights of way, and more. Take time—accuracy is crucial, as misrepresentation could lead to claims post-sale.
- TA10 Fittings and Contents Form: Lists what fixtures (e.g., fitted kitchens, light fittings) and contents (e.g., curtains, appliances) are included or excluded in the sale price. Decide early to avoid negotiations later.
For leasehold properties (common in apartments):
- TA7 Leasehold Information Form: Details on ground rent, service charges, management company, and insurance.
5. Planning and Building Regulations Documents
Gather evidence for any alterations:
- Planning permissions and completion certificates for extensions, loft conversions, or changes of use.
- Building regulations approvals and sign-off certificates.
- FENSA or CERTASS certificates for new windows/doors (post-2002).
- Electrical Installation Certificates (EICRs) or Part P compliance for electrical work.
- Gas Safe certificates for boiler installations/servicing.
Missing these often prompts buyer enquiries—having them ready reassures buyers and lenders.
6. Guarantees and Warranties
Collect:
- NHBC or similar new-build warranty (if applicable).
- Damp-proofing, timber treatment, or roofing guarantees.
- Solar panel leases or warranties.
- Any transferable home appliance warranties.
7. Other Property-Specific Items
- For leaseholds: Latest service charge accounts, buildings insurance schedule, and management pack (often obtained via the managing agent – costs £200-£500).
- Flood risk reports or environmental searches if in affected areas.
- Details of any shared access, rights, or restrictions.
- Council tax band confirmation.
8. Mortgage and Financial Details
If you have a mortgage, note your lender’s details, we’ll need a redemption figure later, but early awareness helps.
The Benefits of Early Instruction
At Toomey Legal, we encourage sellers to instruct us as soon as they decide to market. Why?
- We handle initial checks and prepare forms while your agent markets the property.
- Once an offer is accepted, we issue the contract pack immediately—often within days.
- Average sales take 12-16 weeks from offer to completion; early prep can reduce this significantly.
- Our online portal lets you track progress and upload documents securely.
In the current market, with buyer demand picking up, a swift process gives you an edge—especially in competitive North East hotspots.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Underestimating the TA6: Rushing answers can cause issues; think carefully about disclosures.
- Lost Paperwork: Start searching your files early, many guarantees are forgotten in lofts!
- Leasehold Delays: Management packs take time; request early.
- Outdated EPC: Invalid ones halt marketing.
- Assuming It’s All on the Agent: While agents handle viewings, legal prep is your solicitor’s domain, coordinate both.
Tip: Use our conveyancing flowchart (available on our website) for a visual overview of the sale process.
Preparing these items before instructing a conveyancing solicitor sets you up for a smoother, faster sale, potentially saving thousands in stress and holding costs. In 2026’s improving market, being organised could mean completing sooner and at a better price.
If you’re planning to sell in the North East, get in touch with Toomey Legal for a free, fixed-fee quote. We’re experts in local properties and committed to transparent, efficient service. Call us on 0191 605 3710 or email enquiries@toomeylegal.co.uk—let’s get your sale off to the strongest start.