The 'contract pack' is what your conveyancer will issue to commence work on your transaction. The documents included within the contract pack will allow the buyer's conveyancer to commission searches, investigate the title documents, and raise any inquiries they believe to be relevant.

Before your conveyancer can proceed to issue the contract pack, they will require the following information:

  • Signed formal instructions.
  • Two forms of ID.
  • Initial payment on account.
  • Memorandum of Sale (official notification that the sale has been agreed) from the estate agent or private seller.
  • Completed Property Information Form (TA6), Fittings and Contents Form (TA10), and if necessary, the Leasehold Information Form (TA7).

Once your conveyancer has received all of the above, they will then arrange to contact the buyer's conveyancers to confirm that they act on your behalf. Your conveyancer can only proceed to issue the contract pack once they receive confirmation from the buyer's conveyancer that they are instructed on behalf of the buyer.

What should the contract pack include?

The contract pack will differ depending on whether the property is registered or unregistered at the Land Registry.

If the Title is Unregistered:

If your property has not yet been registered with the Land Registry, your conveyancer will require the original property deeds from you in order to proceed with drafting the contract.

If the Title is Registered:

Your conveyancer will download up-to-date office copies from the Land Registry. This will include the official copy of register, the title plan, and any conveyances or transfers that relate to the property.

The Contract

The contract should include:

  • The latest edition of the Standard Conditions of Sale.
  • Only with such additional clauses as are necessary for the purposes of the transaction.
  • Property Information Form (TA6), together with any supporting documentation such as:
    • Electrical Reports and Certificates
    • Gas Reports and Certificates
    • Window and Door Certificates
    • Planning Documents
  • Fittings and Contents Form (TA10). The Fittings and Contents Form is to stipulate what fixtures and fittings will be included in the sale of the property.

If the property is a Leasehold:

  • Leasehold Information Form (TA7), together with supporting documentation.
  • Official Copies of the Leasehold Register.
  • Copy of the Seller's Share Certificate for any Landlord or Management Company.

EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

An up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate is required when selling a residential property. The EPC measures a property's energy efficiency and it will provide a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

Once the contract pack has been issued, the buyer's conveyancer will review it and begin to raise initial inquiries.

Next Steps...

If you have any questions regarding this blog or any other conveyancing matters, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can contact the conveyancing team at legal@timms-law.com or by phone on 01283 561531. Alternatively, you can visit the conveyancing page of our website here.