To ask for help with this

[custardface44]

Can anyone talk me through an idiots guide to selling a house. I've never done it before but just sold mine and had a huge bundle of paperwork sent through the post. Now I'm getting a bit flustered!

One of the most worrying things is that I can't seem to find any documents (other than solicitor letters and a copy of the structural survey) from when I bought it. I don't actually ever remember being sent a copy of the deeds so there's nothing in my files that even says I'm the official owner! There is a document that states the sellers details and general information about the house however. Where would I get a copy of the deeds from???

I see that I have to provide various forms of ID which is self explanatory but is there anything else I should be aware of? Feeling quite overwhelmed but I suppose I at least have time over the holidays to give it some time. Any help would be really appreciated.

You don't need to worry about any of that your solicitor will obtain a copy of what's on the register - aka the deeds. Information on any mortgage or charges on the property will also be there. All you have to do is provide your ID, fill in the property information form (to the best of your knowledge, if you don't know the answer just tick 'don't know'. Relax, your solicitor and estate agent will guide you.

They are usually held by the solicitor that did the conveyancing for you.

@Haggisfish3

They are usually held by the solicitor that did the conveyancing for you.

Not for many years

If it is a newish house it will all be online
For an older house it will also all be online but you may hvae been sent the old deeds to keep for sentimental reasons.

www.gov.uk/get-information-about-property-and-land/copies-of-deeds

@BeepBoopBop thank you. In their opening letter they have asked me to provide any documentation I have on the house including deeds so I assumed that I ought to have a copy but reassuring to know they can access all that. Suppose that's why I'm paying them!

They ask for all documentation really for any planning permission, building regs, etc. Honestly, don't worry about anything. I've owned half a dozen houses - never seen a copy of any of the deeds.

Well that is interesting! I took photos of all our deeds and I’m sure they are with solicitor. We only bough about eight years ago.

Deeds as documents don’t exist any more ( unless you were given them as an interest piece) All info is online.

1. Find an estate agent. Look at Get Agent to see who sells quickly, gets closest to asking price etc..
2. Choose a solicitor, either someone local you can see or speak to easily. Or you can use an online firm ( these can be a bit hit and miss)

When you get an offer you just hand everything over to the so,licitor, they’ll tell you what they need.
The estate agent will still be involved and can be useful chasing people up and so on.
It’s pretty straightforward, most delays are resolved by just geeing people up.

@Suzanne999 thank you :)

I have the estate agents and solicitor sorted. I just freaked out a little when I received the massive pack of paperwork today. Especially when I thought they were asking for documents I haven't got! For now it just looks like I need to fill in a brief questionnaire and provide some ID. I think it will wait until after Christmas now given that the offices will be shut for a while.

It always looks more than it is. I swear they do that to justify what they charge!
Just take it one step at a time and remember it comes to an end.