Selling Your Home? Get Your Paperwork in Order to Avoid Delays
When selling your home, missing paperwork can stall your sale or even cost you money. From gas and electrical certificates to guarantees and surveys, being prepared keeps buyers confident and chains moving. Here’s how to get organised before you go to market.
When you decide to sell your home, the focus is often on photography, marketing, and viewings. But behind the scenes, it’s often the paperwork that makes or breaks a sale. Missing certificates or outdated guarantees can cause serious delays once solicitors and surveyors are involved — and in some cases, they can even force a renegotiation on price.
At MP Estates, we’ve seen too many sales slowed down or derailed because sellers weren’t prepared with the right documents. The good news is that with a little forward planning, you can avoid these pitfalls and make your sale as smooth as possible.
Why Paperwork Matters
When a buyer’s solicitor requests documents or when a surveyor carries out a Level 2 or Level 3 survey, they are checking the safety, compliance, and quality of the home. If paperwork is missing, buyers often worry that work hasn’t been carried out properly or that hidden costs may be lurking.
This creates unnecessary doubt and can:
- Delay your sale while you try to locate paperwork
- Force you to carry out works last minute
- Lead to buyers renegotiating the price
Being ready from the start means you stay in control.
The Key Documents Every Seller Should Have Ready
1. Boiler Installation Certificate & Service Records
If your boiler has been installed in recent years, you should have a Gas Safe installation certificate. Regular service records also reassure buyers that the boiler has been properly maintained.
2. Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable)
While this is a legal requirement for landlords, it can also help reassure buyers of your home’s safety. If you don’t have one, consider arranging a check before marketing your property.
3. Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or EICR
Any major electrical work (like a rewire or new consumer unit) should have a certificate. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is also worth having, as buyers may ask for one if they’re concerned about the wiring.
4. FENSA Certificates
If you’ve had windows or doors replaced, you should have a FENSA or CERTASS certificate to prove they meet building regulations. Without it, buyers may raise concerns or even request indemnity insurance.
5. Guarantees & Warranties
Keep hold of guarantees for things like new roofs, damp proofing, double glazing, or extensions. These add real value and peace of mind for buyers.
6. Building Regulations Certificates
If you’ve had structural works done, such as an extension or loft conversion, you’ll need completion certificates signed off by the local authority. Missing paperwork here can seriously delay your sale.
How Surveys Can Impact Your Sale
Most buyers will instruct a survey, and a Level 2 or Level 3 survey can highlight issues you might not even be aware of. This could include electrical concerns, boiler efficiency, or missing paperwork.
If problems are raised, buyers often use this to negotiate the price down or request works before exchange. By preparing your certificates and records upfront, you’ll not only reduce the likelihood of negative surprises but also demonstrate that your home has been well-maintained.
Top Tips to Stay Ahead
- Create a property folder (digital or paper) with all certificates and guarantees in one place.
- If you know something is missing, act now — arrange a service, inspection, or replacement certificate before marketing.
- Be proactive. Buyers feel more confident when they see a well-documented property.
Final Thoughts
Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. The difference between a smooth, stress-free sale and a frustrating, delayed one often comes down to paperwork. By taking the time to gather your certificates and guarantees before going on the market, you can save weeks of unnecessary delay, protect your asking price, and keep your chain moving.
At M&P Estates, we work with sellers to prepare their property from day one — so when the right buyer comes along, nothing gets in the way of a successful completion.
Thinking of selling your home in South Ockendon? Contact M&P Estates today for your free valuation and seller consultation. We’ll guide you through the necessary paperwork, help you get organised, and ensure your sale progresses smoothly.
