Essential House Purchase Documents for Buying in the UK

What documents do you need when buying a new home?

Understanding the UK house purchase process means knowing which documents you'll need at each stage. Having the right paperwork ready can help your purchase move smoothly. Below are the documents you may require:

• ID and proof of address

• Mortgage deed

• Proof of funds and mortgage documentation

• Title deeds

• Property Information Form (TA6)

• Fittings and Fixtures Form (TA10)

• Solicitor report

• Survey reports

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

• Safety and servicing certificates

• Stamp Duty receipt

• Building work guarantees and warranties

• Other guarantees

• Insurance policies

• Indemnity insurance 

Why house purchase documents matter

Having the correct documentation is crucial throughout the process of buying a house in the UK. Missing or incomplete paperwork may cause delays, legal complications, or jeopardise your purchase.

The conveyancing process

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer. Your solicitor or conveyancer will request specific documents at various stages to complete checks and register your ownership. Having these documents ready in advance can ensure efficiency and prevent delays.

Speeding up your move

By using our buying a home checklist, you can help reduce the time between offer acceptance and completion, and potentially avoid delays caused by missing paperwork. Being organised from the start can help you move into your new home faster.

Legal requirements and anti-money-laundering checks

UK property law requires strict identity verification and anti-money laundering checks for all property transactions. Your solicitor must verify your identity, confirm your address and establish the legitimate source of your funds. These checks protect both you and the seller during the UK house purchase process.

Buyer’s checklist: Key documents you must provide

The process of buying a house in the UK requires a few key documents. From proof of ID to a mortgage deed, buyers need the relevant paperwork to hand.

ID and proof of address

The first documents to share with your solicitor or conveyancer are your ID and proof of address. This can be a copy of your passport or driving license and a utility bill or bank statement.

Mortgage deed

You’ll receive a mortgage deed if you take out a mortgage to buy your home. This records the terms and conditions of your mortgage, including the amount borrowed, your interest rate and repayment schedule. There are certain documents needed to apply for a mortgage, so make sure these are all in order.

Proof of funds and mortgage documentation

Your solicitor will need evidence of how you're funding your purchase as part of anti-money-laundering regulations. This includes mortgage offers, savings account statements showing your deposit, or proof of gifted deposits from family members. If you're a cash buyer, you'll need to demonstrate the source of funds through bank statements or investment account records. Your lender will also provide a Mortgage in Principle (MIP) and a formal mortgage offer.

Documents provided by the seller or conveyancer

The seller's solicitor will provide several documents about the property you're buying. These documents are crucial to the UK house purchase process.

Title deeds and registration details

Title deeds prove you own the property and include information about the previous owners. Since most Land Registry records are digital, you won’t receive a physical copy of these documents. Your solicitor should provide a written confirmation that you’re the registered proprietor within a month or two of completion.

Property Information Form (TA6)

The Property Information Form (TA6) includes information about gas and electricity and who’s responsible for boundary fences. As part of the process of a house purchase, a seller must legally provide this with supporting evidence.

Fittings and Fixtures Form (TA10)

The seller provides a Fittings and Fixtures Form (TA10) and outlines what’s included in the property sale. This can range from light fittings and flooring to garden plants.

Solicitor’s report on title and searches

A report on title is prepared by a buyer’s solicitor and sets out that they will report on the property's status to the buyer. Your solicitor or conveyancer will summarise the legal title and property search results.

Property surveys, EPC and safety certificates

You can request additional documentation from the seller during the house purchase process.

Property survey reports

If you arrange a building survey, a surveyor will visit your property to prepare the report, and any necessary repairs or alterations can be made.

Types of surveys

There are three different types of property surveys:

• RICS Home Survey – Level 1. A condition report provides a basic overview of the property's condition and highlights any urgent defects.

• RICS Home Survey – Level 2. A survey that is ideal for properties under 50 years old, identifying surface-level issues that may not meet building regulations.

• RICS Home Survey – Level 3. A building survey offers an in-depth inspection, ideal for older properties, detailing structural issues or necessary repairs

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be included in the sale of a property by law. This rates your home’s energy efficiency, estimates carbon dioxide emissions and provides energy-saving tips. EPC costs can vary.

Safety and servicing certificates

If you suspect the boiler in your new home isn’t working correctly, you can ask the seller to provide you with the gas safety certificate from the last 12 months.

Post-completion documents you should keep

Once you've completed the house purchase process, you'll receive several important documents. You should store these safely.

Stamp Duty receipt

Stamp Duty will need to be paid by existing homeowners on residential properties over £125,000. First time buyer Stamp Duty is slightly different, and you won’t pay unless the property is worth more than £300,000. For properties over £500,000, standard rates apply and no first time buyer relief is available.

 

You have around 14 days to pay Stamp Duty after the purchase of your new home is finalised. Your solicitor can usually handle this on your behalf and provide a receipt within 30 days of completion.

Building work guarantees and warranties

As part of the UK house purchase process, the seller should provide guarantees if they have recently conducted building work. These are typically valid for 10 years.

 

A warranty shows that previous owners have been responsible when fixing something wrong. A new build warranty is standard with most new build homes. All Barratt homes come with an NHBC warranty and insurance policy. This is known as Buildmark and includes a 2-year builder warranty period, followed by 8 years of insurance cover.

Other guarantees

The seller should also provide guarantees for any items they’ve left behind, such as appliances. A FENSA certificate for replacement windows or doors is also essential to prove they meet building regulations.

Insurance policies

You can choose between two types of home insurance when buying a new home with us:

• Building insurance. This covers significant repairs and rebuilding (e.g., structural damage to the roof or walls).

• Contents insurance. This protects you from damage or loss of contents in the event of fire, accident, or theft.

Learn more about home insurance in our comprehensive guide.

Indemnity insurance

Indemnity insurance protects you against the potential costs of fixing problems in the property. You could take out indemnity insurance if the seller can’t provide a building regulation certificate. This protects you from future fees when buying a house in the UK.

 

Browse our new homes across the UK, which are energy-efficient, sustainable and equipped with modern specifications. Or get in touch with our Sales Advisers and discover our offers designed to help you move.