Most delays between offer and exchange come from paperwork that could have been found weeks earlier. Gathering it before you list is the cheapest thing a seller can do to protect a sale.
What to have ready
| Document | Why it is needed | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Performance Certificate | Legally required before marketing; valid ten years | GOV.UK register, or a new assessment |
| Title documents | Confirms ownership, tenure and what burdens the property | HM Land Registry (£7 to download) |
| Planning permissions and building regulation certificates | For any extension, loft conversion or structural change | Council records, or your own file |
| Guarantees and warranties | Damp, timber, roofing, windows, new-build warranty | Your own records; the installer |
| Gas and electrical certificates | Boiler service history, electrical installation reports | Your engineer or electrician |
| Lease and service charge information (flats) | Lease length, ground rent, service charge accounts, major works | Freeholder or managing agent |
| Proof of identity | Anti-money-laundering checks by agent and conveyancer | Passport, driving licence, utility bills |
Leasehold information is the single most common cause of delay. Managing agents can take weeks to produce a pack, and requesting it the day you accept an offer can add a month to the transaction.
If a permission or certificate genuinely cannot be found, say so early. Indemnity insurance is often cheap and quick, but only if the problem surfaces before the buyer's solicitor finds it.
Sources
Related
- What the seller has to tell you on the TA6 form
- Why do property sales fall through?
- How long does conveyancing take?
- How to sell your house fast in the UK
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20. We check these against the linked official sources and re-date the page when they change.