When selling a property, your conveyancer will prepare a contract pack and send it to the buyer’s solicitor.
A contract pack is essential for the legal transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. It ensures that all necessary information is disclosed and understood by both parties.
It includes a draft of the contract and any other information that might be relevant to the property. The buyer’s solicitor can then raise any queries before proceeding with the purchase.
Before your conveyancing solicitor can prepare a contract pack they need;
- A formal instruction to act on your behalf
- A completed TA6 form
- A completed TA7 form (if the property is leasehold), and
- A Memorandum of Sale from the estate agent (or private seller)
What’s Included in a Solicitors Contract Pack?
Here’s what typically includes in a contract pack:
Draft Contract
This is the first version of the contract of sale, outlining the terms and conditions of the sale. This includes the agreed-upon price, property details, and any special conditions.
Property Information Form (TA6)
This form provides detailed information about the property. This includes:
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- Boundaries and rights of way
- Disputes and/or complaints
- Services and utilities
- Planning permission and any building work or alterations
Any warranties related to double glazing, boiler and other work should also be included.
Fixtures and Fittings Form (TA10)
This is a list specifying what is included in the sale. This includes carpets, curtains, any furniture, kitchen appliances, and garden items.
Title Deeds
Documents proving the seller’s ownership of the property. This might include the title register and title plan from the Land Registry.
Leasehold Information (TA7) (if applicable)
This includes a copy of the lease, details about ground rent and service charges, and any notices or restrictions affecting the lease.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC certificate provides information on the property’s energy efficiency and energy costs. It might also include recommendations for improving energy efficiency.
Local Authority Searches
Results of searches conducted with the local council to check for any issues affecting the property. This could include planning decisions, road schemes, and other environmental factors.
Any Other Searches
Other relevant searches that may be necessary. Such as drainage and water searches, environmental searches, or chancel repair liability checks.
Mortgage Information (if applicable)
Details about any existing mortgage on the property that needs to be discharged before or at the time of sale.
Who Prepares the Contract Pack?
The seller’s solicitor will prepare the contract pack. If you’re the seller, you’ll need to complete some of the paperwork yourself. Your solicitor will tell you what information they need from you and provide you with the forms you need to complete help where necessary.
They will then prepare the draft content, get the title deeds from the Land Registry and send the contract pack to the buyer’s solicitor.
I’m Buying a House, Do I Need to Do Anything With the Contract Pack?
When buying a house, your solicitor will write to the seller’s conveyancer to request a copy of the contract pack. They will usually send a copy to you and examine the contents and raise queries with the seller’s solicitor.
As a buyer, it’s important that you go through the contract pack thoroughly yourself. If there is anything you’re not sure about, raise it with your solicitor.
Once you and your solicitor are happy with the contract pack, your solicitor will conduct the relevant property searches.
How Much Does a Conveyancing Contract Pack Cost?
The contact pack forms part of our conveyancing service alongside property searches and other tasks, so there is no extra charge for it.
