Documents Your Buyer’s Solicitor Will Ask For — A Complete Seller’s Checklist

Why Solicitor Enquiries Take So Long

Once contracts are issued, the buyer’s solicitor will raise a series of enquiries. Answering each enquiry typically requires a document.

Most delays in conveyancing occur because:

• The seller doesn’t have the document and has to locate or obtain it
• Multiple rounds of follow-up are needed

If you can answer enquiries in one round by having all documents ready, a typical 6–8 week enquiry phase becomes 2–3 weeks.

Standard Documents Requested by Buyer’s Solicitors

Planning and Building Works

• Planning permission for any extension, loft conversion, garage conversion, or outbuilding
• Building regulations completion certificate for the same works
• If permission or completion certificate is missing: an indemnity insurance policy
• Conservation area or listed building consent if applicable
• Lawful development certificate (LDC) if works were carried out under permitted development

Windows, Doors, and Glazing

• FENSA or CERTASS certificate for all replacement double glazing
• If installed before the schemes: building regulations sign-off, or an indemnity insurance policy

Boiler and Heating

• Gas Safety Certificate or commissioning certificate from the time of installation
• Service history
• Any guarantees on central heating work

Electrical

• EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) if you have carried out rewiring or have a report
• Electrical installation certificates for any significant electrical work

Damp, Timber, and Structural

• Damp-proofing guarantee and any associated building works certificate
• Timber treatment guarantee (woodworm, dry rot)
• If there has been structural work: architect’s certificate or building engineer’s report

Leasehold Specific

• Original lease (and any deeds of variation)
• Current ground rent receipts and arrears statement
• Service charge accounts: 3 years of actual accounts
• Building insurance certificate and schedule
• Management information pack (ordered from the managing agent)

Japanese Knotweed

• If knotweed is present or has been treated: management plan from a qualified contractor
• Insurance-backed guarantee where applicable

Disputes and Notices

• Any correspondence about boundary disputes, party wall matters, or neighbour disputes
• Copies of any party wall agreements

Property Passport UK as a Preparation Tool

Property Passport UK allows owners to upload all of these documents to their property record in advance. When it comes to conveyancing, your solicitor can access the entire document store digitally, avoiding the repeated back-and-forth that typically delays sales by weeks.