What Documents Should Your Solicitor Give You After Buying a House?

The core documents to request

• Completion statement showing the price, funds and relevant transaction costs.
• Signed transfer documentation and a copy of the agreed contract where appropriate.
• Title register and title plan showing the property’s registered information.
• Relevant searches, replies to enquiries, warranties and certificates supplied with the transaction.
• For leasehold property: lease, management information, service charge and ground rent arrangements where relevant.
• Confirmation of stamp duty filing, where applicable, and later confirmation of registration.

What is a title register?

The title register records key legal details including the title number, registered proprietor, charges and certain rights or restrictions. The version showing you as registered proprietor may not be available until HM Land Registry has processed the application.

Ask your conveyancer what remains outstanding and whether any restrictions or obligations need your attention.

What does a title plan prove?

It identifies the registered land and generally shows approximate boundary lines on a map. It normally does not establish the exact position of a fence, wall or legal boundary. Read it alongside the title register and any filed deeds, particularly before moving a boundary feature.

What about guarantees, certificates and manuals?

Ask which boiler, window, electrical, planning, building regulation or construction certificates were supplied. Their availability depends on the property and transaction. Keep these together with appliance instructions and paperwork for future resale.

How should you store the paperwork?

Save digital copies in a secure folder, keep original documents where required and make a simple index. Keep insurance details and warranty expiry dates in the same place. If something expected is missing, ask the conveyancer for an explanation rather than assuming every property has the same document pack.