What Documents Do Solicitors Need When Buying a House

Learn which documents solicitors need when buying a house in the UK, from ID and proof of funds to contracts, title deeds and property searches.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. This page covers what documents solicitors need when buying a house.

When you decide to buy a house, one of the first steps your solicitor takes is to collect and review a range of documents. These documents are essential for verifying your identity, securing your mortgage, and ensuring that the property you’re purchasing is legally sound. Knowing what documents your solicitor needs helps streamline the conveyancing process, avoid delays, and keep your purchase on track. This article explains the key documents solicitors require when buying a house and why each one matters.

Why solicitors need documentation during conveyancing

Solicitors act as legal intermediaries in a property purchase. Their job is to protect your interests, confirm that the seller has the right to sell the property, and ensure that all legal requirements are met before completion. To do this, they need a clear paper trail showing who you are, how you’re funding the purchase, and that the property title is valid.

Providing these documents early in the process helps your solicitor carry out checks promptly and meet mortgage lender and anti-money-laundering (AML) obligations.

Documents solicitors need from the buyer

When buying a house, you’ll need to provide several key documents to your solicitor. These generally include:

1. Proof of identity
Solicitors are legally required to verify who you are. You’ll need to provide two forms of identification:

One photographic ID such as a passport or driving licence
One proof of address such as a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last three months

These checks are mandatory under anti-money-laundering regulations and protect both you and the solicitor from fraud.

2. Proof of funds
To comply with financial regulations, your solicitor must confirm where the money for the purchase is coming from. You’ll need to show evidence of your deposit and, if applicable, your mortgage. This could include:

Bank statements showing savings or transfers
Evidence of gifted deposits (a signed letter from the donor and proof of their source of funds)
Sale proceeds if you are selling another property

If any of the funds come from overseas or multiple accounts, be prepared to provide additional documentation to demonstrate transparency.

3. Mortgage offer
If you’re buying with a mortgage, your solicitor will need a copy of your formal mortgage offer from your lender. This document outlines the terms of your loan, interest rate, repayment conditions, and any special clauses.

Your solicitor will also receive a separate version directly from your lender so they can confirm legal compliance before exchange of contracts.

4. Property information forms (from the seller)
Although these forms come from the seller’s solicitor, your solicitor will review them on your behalf. They include:

The Property Information Form (TA6), which covers details about boundaries, disputes, and utilities
The Fittings and Contents Form (TA10), listing what items are included in the sale
The Leasehold Information Form (TA7), if the property is leasehold

Your solicitor will check these forms carefully to identify any issues that need clarification before contracts are exchanged.

5. Title deeds or Land Registry information
Your solicitor will obtain the property’s title deeds or Land Registry records from the seller’s side. These documents confirm who owns the property, any mortgages attached to it, and whether there are restrictions, easements, or rights of way affecting ownership.

If the property isn’t yet registered (which can happen with older buildings), your solicitor may need to review original paper deeds to establish proof of ownership.

6. Contract pack from the seller’s solicitor
Once the seller’s solicitor sends the draft contract, your solicitor will review it thoroughly. The contract outlines the agreed price, completion date, and any conditions of sale. They will raise pre-contract enquiries to clarify anything that seems unclear or requires further evidence.

7. Search results
As part of conveyancing, your solicitor will order several searches to check for potential risks or restrictions. These searches typically include:

Local authority search
Environmental search
Water and drainage search
Land Registry and planning searches

While these are not documents you provide directly, your solicitor will collect them and discuss the results with you.

8. Building surveys and reports
If you have commissioned a survey, such as a homebuyer’s report or structural survey, you should share a copy with your solicitor. Although solicitors do not assess the physical condition of the property, they can use this information to address any legal issues that might arise, such as disputes over alterations or extensions.

Additional documents in special circumstances

Some transactions require extra paperwork depending on the type of property or buyer. Examples include:

Shared ownership properties: Additional forms confirming the ownership share and lease agreement.
New build homes: Developer contracts, warranties, and planning consent documentation.
Buy-to-let purchases: Tenancy agreements and evidence of landlord registration if tenants are already in place.
Gifted deposits: Signed declarations and financial proof from the donor.

Providing these documents early prevents delays later in the process, especially if the purchase involves multiple parties or lenders.

When documents are reviewed

Your solicitor will typically review all key documents before exchange of contracts. They will ensure there are no legal obstacles, such as unresolved boundary disputes, planning breaches, or outstanding charges on the property.

Once satisfied, they will confirm that everything is legally sound and send you the final documents to sign before exchange. This includes the purchase contract and, after completion, the Land Registry transfer forms.

Why prompt document submission matters

Delays in providing documentation are one of the most common causes of slow conveyancing transactions. Supplying all required documents as soon as your solicitor requests them helps speed up the process and ensures your mortgage offer and searches remain valid.

It also allows your solicitor to identify and resolve potential issues before they become urgent, keeping your completion date on schedule.

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