Congratulations on finding your dream home. Hopefully by now, [contracts have been exchanged](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/exchange-and-completion), and you’ve [sorted out your mortgage](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/mortgages/how-to-apply-for-a-mortgage). Unfortunately, while most of the leg work is done, you’re not quite over the mountain.

Moving house is infamous for being one of life’s most stressful events. To succeed, you can’t go in blind. Timing is a huge factor, and you have to get through a lot of admin before you can truly put your feet up. However, the end is certainly in sight, and we’re going to help you get there with our useful moving checklist.

Split into three parts, our 26 point checklist will help you navigate the perils of moving, from useful tips before you move, to the big day itself. If you do these 26 things when you move house you'll be off to a good start.

![pre move packing](//images.ctfassets.net/us6n8ous4bz0/4HPEhpMCj88fAauuBjG3T0/2896ff4558e3fd894a9ea24563bb9349/snagging-survey.jpg)

## What to do before you move

In this section we’ll take you through the weeks before the big day.

#### 1. Confirm the date of your move

Get your moving date confirmed by your conveyancer and home seller. The date should have been made available after the exchange of contracts. If you’re at the bottom of a [property chain](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/how-to-manage-property-chain) and things are moving slowly, make sure you use this extra time to plan ahead. Once you have the exact date it makes it easier to plan.

If you’re currently renting, you should be able to spread the move out over a few days. This will cause much less stress in the long run, but could prove disruptive if moving becomes a protracted affair.

#### 2. If you’re renting, give notice to landlord

If you’re renting, you need to give enough notice to your landlord so they can find replacement tenants. Notices of intent are usually 1 - 2 months in standard Agreed Shorthold Tenancy (AST) Agreements, but make sure you know how long yours is. You can find these details in your contract.

If you’ve been living in your current room for less than a year, you may be able to get out of your contract early with a break clause. A break clause is a term in a contract that allows for early termination of your tenancy.

#### 3. Contact your utility suppliers & pay the bills

Electricity, gas, phone and broadband suppliers need to be notified of your change of address. It’s best practice to get these things taken care of early, because sometimes suppliers take longer to register your new address.

It’s also important to settle any bills or exit fees that are required before you leave the property. Unless you have a smart metre, you’ll need to take a final metre reading on the last day, so that you’re not overcharged by your provider.

You can learn more about moving or changing broadband [here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/buying/broadband-and-moving-home).

#### 4. Update important contact details

Your utility suppliers aren’t the only people that need to be informed about your move. There’s a multitude of important organisations/facilities you need to notify, from the electoral register to your TV licensors. You should make sure to set up mail forwarding with the Post Office who will redirect your post.

Here’s a full list of people you should inform of your new address:

* GP & dentist
* Your bank
* Your employer
* Your local council
* Your phone provider
* Electoral roll
* Insurance providers
* TV Licence
* Council Tax
* Gas and Electricity
* Family members
* Contents Insurance
* Home insurance
* Drivers Licence (DVLA)

You can see our complete [change of address checklist here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/who-to-inform-moving-house-checklist).

#### 5. Plan ahead for your kids and pets

If you’re moving to a completely new area, your kids will likely need to move school. You should either confirm new school placements, or simply notify their current school of your new address.

With your pets, you need to decide whether you’re taking them with you, or putting them in care for the duration of the move. If the answer is care, then you will need to find a local pet sitter or a doggy daycare.

#### 6. Plan your route ahead of time

If you’re moving long distances, you need to forward plan your route. Knowing where to stop for fuel breaks will prevent any stress along the way. Planning your route in advance helps prevent any avoidable delays on the big day.

#### 7. Get quotes on removal costs

It’s important to sort out your removal van at least two weeks in advance. Unless you put down a deposit, your scheduled moving date might get forfeited for someone who has put one down. Your removal company should be able to give you a good estimate on costs.

Removal rates vary due to several factors:

* The size of your house
* The amount of furniture you want moved
* How far it needs to be transported

#### 8. Officially confirm your move and tell your friends

It’s time to confirm with your conveyancer and estate agent that you’re in the process of officially moving. You can do this by making a call, sending an email, or updating your conveyancer through a smartphone app. Any delays from up the property chain should be made clear well in advance so you have time to prepare.

You’ll also want to inform friends and family that you’re finally moving! Let your current neighbours know that you’ll need a decent amount of parking space to facilitate your moving van.

Moving home is a great opportunity to declutter your possessions and throw away anything you don’t need. It’s a new chapter in your life and the perfect time to donate old possessions to charity. If you want to make a quick bit of cash, you could list them on local hubs like Facebook marketplace or Gumtree.

Before you start packing everything away, go through your belongings and decide what’s actually worth keeping. Letting go of old possessions is hard but it means less hassle in the long run when you’re unpacking.

#### 9. Clear out and declutter

Moving home is a great opportunity to declutter your possessions and throw away anything you don’t need. It’s a new chapter in your life and the perfect time to donate old possessions to charity. If you want to make a quick bit of cash, you could list them on local hubs like Facebook marketplace or Gumtree. 

Before you start packing everything away, go through your belongings and decide what’s actually worth keeping. Letting go of old possessions is hard but it means less hassle in the long run when you’re unpacking.

#### 10. Start packing supplies

Around two weeks before the big day, you should start packing. Two weeks should give you enough time to get everything stowed away into boxes. Here’s some hot tips:

* **Start with the non-essential items**, like ornaments, games consoles, and specialist kitchenware.
* **Set aside 3 or 4 clothing changes for the last two weeks**. That way, you can pack everything away and just wash these clothes over the weekend.
* **Label your boxes so you know what’s in there.** This will help both you and your movers know which box contains fragile items. If you want to be super efficient, label boxes with the rooms their contents belong in.
* **Keep your valuables close** by making sure all your important documents, like your passport, birth certificate and driving license are all accounted for.
* **Get some cardboard boxes from your local supermarket**. They’re free and will get thrown out otherwise! You can also start saving newspapers for cushioning your fragile items.

#### 11. The big clean

You want to start the process of cleaning your house a week before the move. There’s a _lot_ to do in a short amount of time, but if you plan everything in advance, you should be fine.

If you’ve sold your house, and have agreed with the buyer that certain fixtures and fittings need to be included or fixed beforehand, now is the time to either clean them or fix them!

One of the last things you should clean is your front garden or drive. This was the first impression your buyers had of your home, so keep them happy and give it one last good clean.

**Remember**: If you’re moving out of a rental place, you’ll likely need to book a professional cleaner and keep the receipt to get your deposit back. If you own the property, you can do this yourself, or hire a cleaner.

#### 12. Move your packed boxes to a convenient place

A night or so before the big day, move all your packed boxes to a convenient location in your house. Ideally this should be somewhere close to the front door. You don’t want to be moving up and down the stairs with your arms loaded with packed boxes.

#### 13. Make a ‘moving in night’ box with all the essentials

Make life much easier by packing all the essentials into a ‘first night’ box. We recommend packing the following:

**Hot drinks to pack**

* Kettle
* Milk
* Sugar
* Tea bags
* Coffee

**Cleaning supplies to pack**

* Handwash
* Surface spray
* Bin bags
* Wipes

**Toiletries to pack**

* Toothbrushes
* Toothpaste
* Bath mat
* Shower gel and soap
* Towel
* Hand towel
* Toilet roll
* Bleach

**Bedding to pack**

* Duvet and cover
* Bed sheets
* Pillows and pillow cases

**Electronics to pack**

* Laptop, chargers
* Phone, phone charger
* TV, radio

**Important documents**

* Mortgage paperwork
* Passport
* Birth certificate
* Title deeds

#### 14. Ask these FIVE questions of the seller before you move

Knowing the essentials of your new home is a major key to success on moving day. If you ask your vendor these questions before moving day, you won’t be stuck later.

* Where are the fuse box and stopcock?
* Where can I park or will there be parking facilities nearby?
* When is bin day?
* What's your forwarding address?
* Are there any local handymen, gardeners and plumbers that you use and trust?

**Where’s the fuse box and stopcock?**

Electrical problems and flooding can have serious consequences without a failsafe. Your fuse box and stopcock are essential for preventing the worst from these hazards.

**Where can I park? Will there be parking facilities nearby?**

To prevent delays on moving day, it’s better to have a solid idea of where to park. The seller should try and facilitate your move as much as possible.

**When is bin day?**

Recycling and rubbish are collected on different weeks over a fortnight. Ask your seller when these collections are. If you haven’t already, this is a good opportunity to check where the wheelie bins are actually located.

**What’s your change of address?**

There’s nothing more annoying than receiving somebody else’s post. To prevent this from accumulating, ask the seller to provide an address you can forward their post to.

**Are there any local handymen, gardeners and plumbers that you use and trust?**

If you’re moving to a completely new area, it can help to have someone on the inside with good local knowledge. There’s no better person to ask than the person you’re buying your house from!

![packing and unpacking on moving day](//images.ctfassets.net/us6n8ous4bz0/raS0MdmTXqVlcFMMlR5Fe/cdeb4c30b32f116e48c77a5033a4a263/how-to-find-the-best-mortgage.jpg)

## What to do on moving day

It’s the big day, which means you’re in for the long haul! Strap in and follow these key steps.

#### 15. Final day: metre readings

It’s time to take a final reading of your gas and electricity meters before you leave your house for the last time. We recommend taking a picture with your smartphone, because you will get a timestamp.

**Remember**: Turn off any heating timers and any plugs that don’t need to be on. This is especially important if your property’s new occupant isn’t moving in on the same day.

#### 16. The last minute check

Make sure everything is clean and tidy before you leave, and that nothing’s been left behind. Toiletries and garden trinkets are often the biggest culprits.

#### 17. Load the van

We recommend getting the van early to avoid unnecessary delays. You don’t want to make too many trips, because this can be both costly and stressful. As with everything on this list, give yourself more time than you think you’ll need.

While it might be tempting to just throw everything nearest you in the van, there’s a logical way to load - and that’s by room. If you have a good idea where everything’s going, you can fill the van accordingly.

#### 18. Make your farewells

If you’ve been renting, don’t forget to leave your keys with your landlord. If you’re selling, leave your keys with your estate agent or conveyancer so they can pass them on to the buyer. Make sure you leave keys to any outbuildings, side gates or conservatories too.

![unpacking in new house](//images.ctfassets.net/us6n8ous4bz0/4IjKpu3Aauq8fqJX4apyVQ/4f289c5aa97e4b37c0e7a5eea81a4efe/what-happens-after-offer.jpg)

## When you get to your new property

The second half of the big day is moving everything into your new home. Get off to a great start by ensuring you take care of the following:

#### 19. Pick up your keys and get everything inside

Meet with the seller’s agent or conveyancer and pick up your new house keys. The next part is pretty straightforward - get everything inside. You could move boxes into their respective rooms, but we recommend just getting everything inside as fast as possible to save some time.

#### 20. Check is everything there and in working order

During your negotiations, you may have requested certain goods to be left behind. Or, you might have asked for a certain door or floorboard to be fixed. Is everything you agreed with the vendors there?

* Fixtures and fittings
* White goods
* Repairs - is everything in working order?

If something is amiss that was agreed in negotiations, call your agent as soon as possible.

#### 21. Locate your fuse box and stopcock

Hopefully, you’ve checked with the seller about where these two are located. Follow their instructions and locate the fuse box and stopcock. If disaster strikes, you’ll be grateful you know where they are.

#### 22. Verify utilities are set up

If you’ve followed our checklist, you’ll have notified all of your providers of your new address a few weeks before the move. Now is the time to ring up and make sure your gas, electricity, water, heating and internet providers have all registered your new address.

#### 23. Check radiators work and set up heat timers

Ensure all your radiators are in working order, and if it's cold out, set up some heat timers with your boiler.

#### 24. Change locks

The previous homeowner likely has friends and family who still own keys to your new home. Set your mind at ease and change the locks. You’ll feel much better for it, plus you can get some new keys made for the rest of your family.

#### 25. Deep clean

A deep clean is probably the last thing you want to be doing after you’ve just moved in - but now is probably the best time to do it! You will never get this much of a chance to clean between the corners before you set your rugs and furniture down.

## Finally

We saved the best till last.

#### 26. Get settled into your new home and put your feet up. You deserve it.

### Download our free moving house checklist

Want a document you can rely on? Simply download our free moving house checklist PDF.

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Couple writing a list on top of a moving day box.

Moving house checklist

Moving home is infamous for being one of life’s most stressful events. We help make it less painful with our complete moving checklist.

Moving House Checklist - 26 things you need to do | GetAgent

Moving house checklist (PDF)

If you’re looking to sell your home, then there are plenty of ways to find out how much it is worth. Property listing prices are usually decided by experienced estate agents who will examine the home and determine how much it may be worth to buyers. So for this initial stage - how much does a valuation cost? The good news is that __it is totally free and costs nothing__!

However, if you are looking for a more detailed valuation, there are other avenues to explore. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about property valuations and their costs.

## Who charges for valuations?

Your traditional estate agents will not charge for a valuation. Usually, their valuations will also be no obligation, meaning you don’t have to list your home with them if you choose not to sell. You can expect the following services to charge for their valuations:

- Chartered surveyors
- Mortgage lenders

You can reach out to chartered surveyors for accurate house valuations, and they will charge from £300 for this service.

Mortgage lenders will also carry out valuations in order to find out how much the property is worth before loaning the money. You’ll usually pay an additional £100 or so on top of your other fees as you won’t be able to borrow the mortgage amount from the lender until they carry out the valuation.

### What do valuations cost the estate agent?

As mentioned, estate agent valuations are usually free of charge, but what does it cost them to carry out a valuation?

First, the agent will have to factor in their travel time and costs to view the property. Then they’ll gather data about houses of similar sizes in the area, data about house prices in the same postcode and the demand for homes in the location. Once the agent has visited the home, viewed the entire property and then put together all the information, you’re looking at around 3 hours work — which could be anywhere between £80-£150 worth of time and costs (such as petrol or charges to access property data) to the firm.

## Types of house valuations and fees

Now we’ll look at the following types of valuations in more detail, and how much you can expect to spend. There are 4 main types of valuation you will experience:

| Property Valuation Type     | Average Cost                                                       |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Estate agent valuation      | Free                                                               |
| Independent house valuation | From £300 to £600, relative to property size.                      |
| RICS valuation              | From £500 or over £1,000 in complex cases                          |
| Mortgage valuation          | From £150, the charge usually increases relative to the home value |

### Online valuations

Online house price calculators are widely available across the internet. These tools use mathematical algorithms to provide a house price estimate. 

Some tools are more accurate than others. Zoopla's house price calculator for example, does not account for recent developments to your propety. Our [Valuation Tool](https://www.getagent.co.uk/online-valuation "Online Valuation Tool") however, uses the latest information about your home to provide a realistic price. You can [use it for free](https://www.getagent.co.uk/online-valuation "Online Valuation Tool") today.

### Estate agent valuation

With an [Estate agent valuation](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/estate-agents/estate-agent-valuations), an agent will visit your home, for free, to give you an idea of how much it would be worth. This valuation will then be used to determine what the asking price is set at when marketing your property. [Estate agents will use multiple factors](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/how-estate-agents-value) to decide how much your house is worth.

```customBlock
VendorPostcodeCTA
```

### Independent house valuation

A neutral third party (who is not connected to the buyer or seller) comes to view the property to give an unbiased opinion on the value. This will be an independent surveyor or a chartered surveyor and will cost upwards of £300.

### RICS

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can value properties, and provide surveys that will contribute to an accurate valuation. Often RICS surveys and valuations are used in the buying process, and not before a house is put up for sale, but in some cases, they can be. For example, if you are buying or selling a property with the government Help To Buy for shared equity then you may need RICS surveys before listing the home, or completing a sale.

### Mortgage valuation

Mortgage lenders will value the home (often using RICS surveys) after an offer has been made and accepted. The valuation is to ensure that the property is worth what the buyer has offered, so the bank or lender knows they are not loaning out more money than the home is actually worth.  

## What’s the difference between a valuation and a survey?

A valuation is when the home is examined to determine how much it can be worth, however, a property survey is to look for structural issues as well as hidden defects. Generally, surveys will need to be done when buying or selling a property and will have [a cost attached for each type of survey](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/properties/house-survey-costs-types). 

### How much do surveys cost?

Let’s take a look at some of the surveys and evaluations that may be required on a home. The [costs are an average](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/properties/house-survey-costs-types), but bear in mind you may pay more or less depending on the size and value of your home.

| Survey Type               | Average Cost of Survey | Notes    |
| ------------------------- | ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Condition report          | £380         | The condition report looks at any defects or safety issues at the property and is mainly used for new homes. It does not indicate value and is the most basic level of survey.                                                                  |
| Homebuyer report          | £500         | A more in detail survey that reports any issues or damage within the home. The report will highlight any issues a potential buyer would need to address for safety or longevity purposes.                                                       |
| Building survey           | £800         | The most in detail report, this survey examines both the structure and condition of a home. For older buildings, this report will highlight how extensive issues are so that a buyer can gauge how much they’d spend on rectifying the problem. |
| Property valuation survey | £320         | This survey is to have a chartered surveyor officially value the property. The cost fluctuates depending on the size and value of the home.            |

## Is it worth getting a property valuation?

Yes it is definitely worth getting a property valuation and for some stages in the [house buying prohttps://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/buying/how-to-buy-a-house (https://www.getagent.co.uk/guide/buying-a-house/how-to-buy-a-house) it's also a requirement. In the early stages of selling your home, you should get a valuation to understand the potential asking price [in the current market](https://www.getagent.co.uk/house-prices). You don’t necessarily need a valuation, but it puts your expectations in the right place and an estate agent will usually offer this service when listing the home. 

As a buyer, however, the home must be valued if you are using a mortgage to buy the property. In England, the mortgage lender has to value the home after you make an offer before they lend you the money. 

## How to get your house valued for free

To get [a free valuation](https://www.getagent.co.uk/online-valuation), you can simply approach an estate agent:

1. Enquire at a few estate agents, both digital and brick-and-mortar.
2. Ready your home and garden for viewing.
3. Research house prices in your local area to set your expectations.

Usually, estate agents will value your home for free, but you should expect a few follow-up calls too, as they’ll be looking to list the property for you. 

Home interior for valuation

How much should you be looking to spend on getting your home valued? Discover the types of valuation and their average cost with GetAgent.

How much does a valuation cost? | GetAgent

How much does a valuation cost?

When it comes to selling property, there’s a lot of paperwork to get through. While straightforward for the most part, the [Law Society’s TA6 Property Information Form](https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/en/topics/property/transaction-forms) can be a confusing obstacle for many homesellers. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the TA6 in closer detail. What is a TA6, why is it important, and what information does it require of homesellers?

## What is a TA6 Form?

If you’re selling a house, you need to provide the buyer with information about the property, its lands, and structures. The TA6 Form gives buyers (and their conveyancers) a comprehensive look at your property. A TA6 Property Information Form details everything from neighbourly disputes, to alterations and planning permissions.

### What is a Property Information From?

You wouldn't be the first person to think them individual documents, but a property information form *is* a TA6 Form. They are the same thing and referred to interchangeably.  

![ta6-property-information-form-start](//images.ctfassets.net/us6n8ous4bz0/3AWc0OBHCXdOK7UT0UOa4I/011602bea907f45e1a3b804dbb6312fe/ta6-property-information-form-start.png)

## Why are TA6 Forms important?

While TA6 Forms aren’t mandatory, conveyancers strongly advise vendors to complete them before selling. A property without one can be a major red flag to potential buyers. There’s a number of reasons why they’re so important:

1. They provide buyers with the necessary information about a property all in one place.
2. They indicate a seller’s willingness to place the property transaction under closer scrutiny (For example, knowingly providing inaccurate information in a TA6 Form could result in legal action). 

Property Information Forms indicate to potential buyers that the homeseller is:

* Willing to provide necessary information to progress the home sale
* Serious about the home sale
* Not attempting to hide anything

## What if a seller lied on a Property Information Form?

As a homeseller, lying by either giving incomplete or incorrect answers on a Property Information Form may allow the buyer to either make a claim for compensation, or refuse to complete the purchase. That means if you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s better to just be honest. Making up a vague answer can put you in danger of having a claim made against you. Remember, **your conveyancer is always available for advice**, but omissions or delays in completing the TA6 can falter the sale.

## How do you fill in a TA6 Property Information Form?

Filling in a TA6 Form may take a while due to the amount of information required. Property Information Forms are divided into **14 sections** with several questions in each. Homesellers are expected to fill out the form to the best of their ability, while providing evidence in the form of documents and certificates (where applicable).

Although the TA6 Form is important, it’s worth remembering that you, the homeseller, aren't expected to have expert knowledge on any of the matters discussed - especially, with regards to events that occurred prior to your ownership of the property.

To fill in your Property Information Form:

1. Prepare all the documents you need for the form before you start
2. Set aside enough time to fill in the form (it can take up to xxxx)
3. Fill in each of the 14 sections to the best of your ability
4. Reach out to your solicitor on anything you’re not sure on

## What documents do I need for a Property Information Form?

Sellers are advised to provide everything related to their property, including the following documents:

1. Title deeds
2. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
3. Proposals for development in the area
4. Planning permission certificate(s)
5. Building Regulations approvals
6. Completion statements
7. FENSA certificate for windows
8. Building control sign offs on boilers, extensions and electrical work

## Law Society’s TA6 Form instructions for sellers and buyers

After you fill out your initial details on a TA6 Form (Your name, address and postcode), the Law Society dispenses some final instructions to sellers and buyers.

### Instructions to homesellers

* Make sure the answers are prepared by the person who owns the property on the title deeds or Land Registry title.
* If you don’t know the answer to a question, just say so. Unsure homesellers should consult their conveyancers.
* If you become aware of any information that would alter the answers you’ve provided, inform your conveyancer immediately. Don’t change any current arrangements (tenants) without consulting your conveyancer first.
* Don’t give incomplete or inaccurate information, otherwise the buyer may make a claim for compensation or drop out of the sale.
* Provide your conveyancer with all the correct documents pertaining to the subject of each question.

### Instructions to homebuyers

* If the seller reveals any information (through conversation or in writing) that hasn’t been included in the TA6 Form, tell your conveyancer.
* Make sure you carry out your own searches, instead of relying on the answers regarding the physical condition of the property.
* Don’t expect the seller to have expert knowledge of legal or technical matters, especially with regards to matters prior to their ownership of the property.

## How long does it take to complete a TA6 Form?

On average, TA6 Forms take half an hour to an hour to complete - but this completely depends on how ready you are to answer the questions. You might not have the correct information to hand for every one of them, so it’s good to prepare beforehand.

## Property Information Form - Breakdown

In this breakdown, we provide you with a brief overview of what to expect in each section of the Property Information Form, including the number of questions you’re obligated to answer.

### Section 1: Boundaries

Properties are limited by legal boundaries that may appear as a hedge, fence or wall. This section is designed to show buyers the broad extent of your property’s boundaries, and who is responsible for their maintenance.

If you’re unsure on how to answer the questions here, the [Gov.UK website has some useful information](https://www.gov.uk/your-property-boundaries) on locating property boundaries.

**No of questions**: 6

### Section 2: Disputes and complaints

In this section, you are required to explain any [past or existing disputes and complaints with neighbours](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/cant-sell-because-of-neighbours) regarding your property. It’s important that buyers have a fair understanding of past and current grievances. It prevents them from being blindsided should issues arise during their ownership.

**No of questions**: 2

### Section 3: Notices and proposals

It’s important that buyers have a clear understanding of any notices or proposals that might affect the property. You may have received letters about any proposals for developments, but you can find out more through [your local council authority](https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council).

If you want to find out where in the UK has the most planning permission breaches, [our research is here to help](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/research/planning-permission-breaches). Our blog has lots of useful tips for homesellers, including details on [whether you should apply for planning permission before selling](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/should-i-apply-planning-permission).  

**No of questions:** 2

### Section 4: Alterations, planning and building control

Here, you need to give buyers a history of changes you’ve made to the property. It’s important that all the works described have the relevant consents and approvals, and that these are attached where appropriate. You will also need to mention whether there are any permanent restrictions on developments to your property.

You can find out if your property is a listed building over on the [Historic England website](https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/). For more information on conservation areas, we have [everything you need to know](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/properties/conservation-area).

**No of questions:** 8

### Section 5: Guarantees and warranties

This section provides buyers with information about the property’s guarantees and warranties. If there are any on the property, you need to provide details, including any claims made in their name.

**No of questions:** 2

### Section 6: Insurance

In this section, you need to provide details of any insurance taken out on the property, including any claims you’ve made. If you haven’t taken out any insurance, you need to explain why.

**No of questions:** 5

### Section 7: Environmental matters

![EPC - Energy efficiency rating](//images.ctfassets.net/us6n8ous4bz0/4FLvEtG4MMpMSTxehGIwSC/9d6c8a2bdaebded98de4c7096ccf900c/epc-energy-efficiency-rating.png)

If your property has experienced any environmental issues, like radon, [Japanese knotweed](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/what-to-do-japanese-knotweed), or [flooding](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs), you need to expound upon them in this section. You also need to provide a copy of your [Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/epc).

You can check if your house is in a flood-prone area using the [Gov.UK flood checker](https://www.gov.uk/check-flooding). Otherwise, use our [free EPC checker](https://www.getagent.co.uk/epc) to find out if your property has an up-to-date certificate.

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**No of questions:** 8

### Section 8: Rights and informal arrangements

This section provides information about rights and arrangements relating to property access and shared use. Examples of relevant information include leases of less than 7 years, rights to mines and minerals, manorial rights, chancel repair and similar matters. 

**No of questions**: 9

### Section 9: Parking

Parking arrangements, whether it’s on-street parking or a driveway, need to be detailed in this section. If your property is in a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) or a local authority parking scheme, relevant details must be provided.

If you’re interested in the effect parking arrangements have on property prices, [our research into whether parking adds value](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/properties/house-prices-and-parking) may prove useful. 

**No of questions:** 2

### Section 10: Other charges

Details of any other charges on your property need to be accounted for. If there are leasehold expenses, like ground rent or service charges, they need to be set out in the TA7 leasehold information form.

Remember, [selling a leasehold property is more complicated than selling a freehold](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/is-it-hard-to-sell-leasehold), but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t succeed if you follow the process carefully.

**No of questions**: 1

### Section 11: Occupiers

In this section, you need to provide the buyer with details on occupants living at the property who may remain after completion of the sale.

**No of questions**: 5

### Section 12: Services

This section provides a closer look at the services available in your property. Any past maintenance and upkeep to the property’s services need to be outlined.

**No of questions**: 10

### Section 13: Connection to utilities and services

You need to provide the names of providers for each utility and service. You should also state the location of meters where applicable.

**No of questions:** 1

### Section 14: Transaction information

Lastly, this section provides the buyer with the details they’ll need for [moving day](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/buying/moving-house-checklist), like if you have any special requirements, or whether there’s a [property chain](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/how-to-manage-property-chain) to be aware of.

**No of questions**: 4

**Please note:** The TA6 Form sampled in this guide is the Law Society Property Information Form (4th edition 2020 – second revision). Future TA6 property information forms may vary slightly.

## Where to download a TA6 Property Information Form

You can download one for free on the [Law Society website](https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/en/topics/property/transaction-forms) in a PDF or word format.

## Summary

All in all, TA6 Forms are important documents for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, they provide all the information you need on your prospective property. For sellers, they show prospective buyers your trustworthiness, and that you're ready to take the sale to the next level. Using our breakdown of the TA6 Property Information Form, you can make a long job much quicker.

A couple sitting on a sofa and working through a document.

Guide to the TA6 property information form

We take a look at the TA6 in closer detail. What is a TA6, why is it important, and what information does it require of homesellers?

TA6 form - The property information form explained

TA6 Form: The Property Information Form explained

There are a variety of reasons someone might change their mind about buying or selling a home — changes in circumstances, new jobs, fluctuations in the market, issues arising from home surveys, or simply changing your mind. But how far along in the house sale process can you go, before it’s too late to go back? 

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know if you are considering pulling out of a house sale.

## Can I pull out of buying a house?

The short answer is yes. You can pull out of a house purchase (with relative ease) up until [contracts are exchanged](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/exchange-and-completion). 

The contracts are the conditions of the purchase and sale between both parties. Once contracts have been exchanged you’ll have entered into a legally binding agreement. You may still be able to pull out after the contract stage, but you’ll be subject to the requirements stated and risk potential court proceedings and significant financial loss.

### Can I withdraw my offer on a house?

If it has been accepted, __you will still be able to withdraw your offer__, as long as contracts have not been exchanged. In the UK, an accepted offer is not legally binding, it’s simply a verbal agreement between the buyer and seller. 

It’s fairly easy to withdraw an offer you’ve made on a property, either before or after it has been accepted. 

### How to withdraw an offer on a house

In order to withdraw an offer you have made on a house, simply:

1. Contact the estate agent or your solicitor. 
2. They will go back to the buyer and let them know that you’ve changed your mind about the purchase, and you’re withdrawing your offer. 
3. Even if the offer has been accepted, you’ll still be able to pull out of the house sale as long as the contract exchange has not occurred. 

## How to pull out of a house purchase

### Pulling out of a house purchase before exchange

Just follow these simple steps if you’re looking to pull out of the sale before the contract exchange:

1. Contact your solicitor or conveyancer to tell them you’d like to back out. 
2. They will inform the other parties involved
3. They will negotiate with the seller on your behalf if there are any fees to discuss. 
4. You may still be required to pay your solicitor if they have carried out work or incurred costs already.

It’s a straightforward process to be free of the sale, but it’s a different story if you wait until after contracts are exchanged.

### Pulling out of a house purchase after exchange

You’ll be breaching the terms of the contract if you do not wish to proceed with the sale after exchange has happened.

1. If you are the buyer, you can expect a “Notice to Complete” to be issued to you,
2. This gives 10 days for you to complete the sale, and you’ll owe the seller daily interest on the agreed sale price. 
3. Even if the reason you’re pulling out is out of your control, you’ll still be breaking the terms you have agreed to, and your seller will be entitled to end the contract, and keep the deposit for the home (usually 10% of the sale price). 
4. The seller can then put the house back on the market, claim damages or financial loss for any depreciation in value, or ask you to pay the difference in value due to the financial loss you may have caused them.

## What happens if a buyer pulls out before exchange of contracts?

If you are the seller and your potential buyer pulls out before the exchange of contracts: 

1. You’ll need to find another offer for the property. Unfortunately there’s not much legally you can do, as the sale was only verbally agreed (when you accepted the offer). 
2. If a lot of time has lapsed, and your property value has suffered because of the delay the buyer has caused, then you could seek legal action for financial loss.

## When can I pull out of buying a house?

If you are considering pulling out of a house sale, then do so **before the exchange of contracts.** Though it is inconvenient for the seller, you will have no legal obligation to owe them any money and it’s simple to withdraw when you are not legally bound by the contract. As covered above, you can pull out after the exchange occurs, but you will be liable for substantial financial damages and be breaking a legal agreement.

Couple needing to sell their house soon

What are your rights, time frames and steps to take when it comes to pulling out of a house sale? Find out more in this GetAgent guide.

Pulling Out of a House Purchase | Everything you need to know

What are your rights, time frames and steps to take when it comes to pulling out of a house sale? Find out everything you need to know.

Pulling out of a house purchase

Buying, selling and moving home can be a stressful process, even without the setbacks that a failed offer can create. So what do you do when your house sale or purchase falls through unexpectedly? 

## Top 5 reasons your house sale might fall through

According to research from Which? [one in four house sales](https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/01/five-reasons-house-sales-fall-through-and-how-to-avoid-them/) fell through in 2019. However, since the outbreak of Covid-19 there were [12% more fall throughs](https://www.twentyci.co.uk/phmr/twentyci-property-homemover-report-year-end-2020/)in the first year.

Here are some of the most common reasons that sales or purchases might slip through the fingers of the parties involved.

### 1 - Mortgage problems

Mortgages can be a big stumbling block for homesellers. First of all, a buyer’s offer could expire by the time they make an offer. If there is a change in their circumstances, such as job security or income, they may not be able to get the full loan amount they were promised by the lender, leading to a problem in the mortgage process.

More issues can arise if the buyer’s mortgage lender values the property at less than what was offered in the mortgage agreement in principle. If this happens, the buyer will be unable to get the funds they require to purchase the house from you. As a result, they will be forced to either renegotiate the price with you, find the rest of the cash from elsewhere, or find a new lender who values the home at a higher price (although lenders are unlikely to vary massively).

### 2 - A break in the chain

Property chains are a string of transactions that are linked when selling and buying property. For instance, a house sale that has to be completed before a buyer can buy your home. Just one sale falling through can affect the whole chain, or even break it if there’s no way to salvage the transaction. Though your link in the chain may be ready, if another transaction in the chain has fallen through, your sale or purchase can be rendered impossible.

There are many reasons why a chain could break. Mortgage issues, which we’ve already looked at, are sadly a common one. 

### 3 - Issues identified by surveys or conveyancing

There are a variety of surveys and legal inspections that need to take place during property transactions. Home surveys can uncover a range of structural or cosmetic issues, which could cause a buyer to renegotiate their offer (especially if the issue raised will cost them a lot of money to solve).
The legal practicalities of property transactions take time — waits for documentation arriving, slow local authority searches or unresponsive legal representatives can cause weeks of delays. During this conveyancing process, parties may lose patience or start to look elsewhere, causing issues with the chain, or causing the sale to fall through completely.

### 4 - Due to Gazumping

Gazumping is [when a seller accepts a higher offer after they’ve already agreed to a buyer](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/gazumping). Accepting an offer is not legally binding, and in sought after areas or competitive markets, gazumping is fairly common.

As a buyer, there's not a lot you can do, despite how inconvenient the situation is. You could approach the seller with a better offer (if possible), or provide reasons as to why your purchase is better for them. You may be able to accommodate particular dates, or carry other benefits like no property chain. However, it’s best not to overstretch yourself financially. Your mortgage lender could nip this in the bud during their valuation, and cause the sale to fall through anyway.

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### 5 - Due to Gazundering

Another [equally weird phrase](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/gazundering) to get your head around is gazundering. This is when a buyer offers less money to a seller than they previously promised at the last stage of the transaction. For example, if the buyer’s lender values the property at less than what the buyer offered, the buyer may try to gazunder the seller as they are unable to pay what was originally agreed. 

Again, while this is a very annoying situation, the offer is not legally binding. As a seller, you can reject their new offer, or work with them to make up the difference. You can then put the house back on the open market, or accept another offer if a potential buyer is still in the market to buy.

## How do you stop a house sale falling through?

To avoid a fall through with a mortgage lender as a buyer, __you should research sale prices in the area before making your offer__ so that your valuation won’t be dramatically different or cause issues with the home loan. Buyers should also seek out a [Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) ](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/buying/mortgage-agreement-in-principle)from lenders before making any offers. As indications of how much buyers are allowed to borrow, AIPs allow you to view properties within an appropriate price range.

Homesellers can [seek valuations from several estate agents](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/how-estate-agents-value) before listing the property, so that the value is realistic and achievable. Sellers should also try to gain confirmation of funds from potential buyers, to ensure that finances are in place before going ahead with a sale. 

It may also be worth carrying out surveys on your property before putting it on the market. Any issues with old properties can be addressed before a buyer discovers them.

Although chains rely on conveyancers to keep things moving, both buyers and sellers should chase their legal representatives regularly to find out the status of the transaction and ensure they’ve provided all the documentation necessary to keep the process running smoothly. If you are ‘chain-free’ (a first-time buyer, a cash buyer, or a non-forward sale), then you can also use this as leverage or as a benefit to the seller in the transaction.

## What to do if your house sale falls through

If your sale falls through, it’s normal to feel vulnerable or insecure about your future. Remember, property transactions can fall through for a bunch of reasons, many of which are often out of your control. 

If you find yourself in this unlucky situation, here’s some steps to consider.

1. Use a different estate agent who specialises in your local area or home type. Our free [GetAgent Comparison Tool](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor) analyses the performance of local agents to help you choose the best for your needs.

2. [Sell your home privately](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/estate-agents/selling-a-house-without-an-estate-agent). Some people decide to sell their homes without the involvement of agents. This would require the seller to have relevant connections of their own and enough free time to market the property. If you know someone who would be interested in purchasing your home, or even doing a house swap, you can take the sale into your own hands. Without these key skills however, this method can prove both expensive and exhausting.

3. Finding a [cash buying company](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/cash-house-buyers "Cash buying companies") can be handy when you need a quick sale for relocation, but they’re particularly useful when a house sale falls through. However, you may have to sacrifice a large percentage of the profit for the convenience. Selling with a top-performing local estate agent will nearly always get you the most for your home.

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### What are your legal rights when it comes to a sale falling through?

Unlike other countries, offers are not legally binding in the UK. A sale is only guaranteed once you have exchanged contracts, or as in Scotland, where the missives are concluded (sale conditions are negotiated between parties). So if your sale or purchase falls through before the exchange of contracts, there’s little you can do legally, apart from figure out your next move.

## What if a sale has fallen through multiple times?

If buyers have dropped out and your sale has fallen through multiple times, it might be time for you to review what you are offering as a seller. Here are three things you should do:

* [Improve the conditions of the house](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/how-to-add-value-to-your-home), as buyers may be scared of the costs involved in correcting survey issues or structural damage.
* [Ensure pricing is accurate](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/setting-the-right-price), or else mortgage lenders may be hesitant to give out loans for the property if you’re asking for too much,
* Ask for proof of finances early so funds are verified and available for the sale to complete, and communicate regularly with the entire chain if possible, to keep things moving forward.

## Do solicitors or estate agents charge when a house sale falls through?

Many estate agents and solicitors work [on a no sale no fee basis](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/estate-agents/no-sale-no-fee-estate-agents), so if the sale falls through, you will not pay their fees. However, you may be required to pay for any costs for third parties that the estate agent or solicitor had incurred (such as for search fees, identify checks, or for conveyancing costs) depending on how far the sale had gone.

You can [ask about these costs](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/cost-of-selling-a-house) and how they work upfront, before you put your house up for sale.


house sale fallen through

One in four house sales in the UK fall through after offer. But what do you do if this happens to you? Find out more in this GetAgent guide.

House Sale Fallen Through? What you should do

Whether you’re a fan of electric cars or not, their future as the primary mode of transport in the UK, is set in stone. Under current Government plans, all new cars will be electric from 2030 onwards, as petrol and diesel models are phased out.

With electric vehicles set to become the new norm, many drivers are taking the plunge and switching out their diesel models for electric. As you’d expect, these models must be charged in order to run effectively. 

There are over 28,000 charging stations distributed throughout the UK. However, their distribution is not even, with some areas containing a greater concentration of charging points than others. As [house prices](https://www.getagent.co.uk/house-prices) vary dramatically across the UK, many homeowners sacrifice their electric dreams for affordable housing. That’s why we at GetAgent took matters into our own hands, and worked out the most affordable homebuyer hotspots for electric cars.

## Where in the UK has the most EV charging points?

According to [Comparethemarket.com,](https://www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance/content/uk-ev-charging-hotspots/) the areas with the highest number of electric car charging points are as follows: 

1. Milton Keynes, with a total of 258 public charging devices
2. Coventry, with a total of 156 public charging devices
3. Cornwall, with a total of 153 public charging devices

### Broken down by area

| Region                   | Charging devices (per 100 electric vehicles) | Average house price |
|--------------------------|----------------------------------------------|---------------------|
| London                   | 13.0                                         | £525,893            |
| North East               | 11.5                                         | £149,042            |
| Wales                    | 9.4                                          | £194,575            |
| Scotland                 | 8.0                                          | £180,832            |
| East Midlands            | 5.3                                          | £221,693            |
| Northern Ireland         | 5.1                                          | £153,449            |
| West Midlands Region     | 4.6                                          | £228,593            |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 3.4                                          | £185,968            |
| South East               | 2.9                                          | £358,070            |
| East of England          | 2.8                                          | £324,510            |
| North West               | 2.7                                          | £194,821            |
| South West               | 2.6                                          | £288,658            |
| United Kingdom           | 4.8                                          | £264,244            |

### How many EV charging stations are there in the UK?

[According to Zap-Map](https://www.zap-map.com/statistics/), a trusted EV charging platform, __there are 28,715 EV charging stations in the UK__ as of 7th January 2022. Since 2015, the number of public charging stations has grown, on average, by 9% quarterly.

## Where are the most affordable areas to buy a house for electric car owners?

There are 20 areas in the UK that are home to more than 20 charging stations per 100 electric vehicles, with the average cost of a home coming in at £370,885. While this figure is 40% higher than the average UK house price, _the good news_ is that 14 of these charging hotspots are home to below-average property prices. The top three are as follows:

### 1. Blaenau Gwent

The county borough in south-east Wales is home to 22 public charging points per 100 electric vehicles. The average house price in the area is £112,343, making this a great spot for affordable housing and green living.

### 2. Western Isles

With over 35.4 public charging points per 100 electric vehicles, the Western Isles of Scotland have a higher number of EV points than Blaenau Gwent, but its average house price of £129,365 deserves second-place.

### 3. Sunderland

As the third most affordable area for electric car owners, Sunderland offers 22.2 charging points per 100 electric vehicles, while the average house price is £132,345.

#### See all areas

These are the UK’s most affordable places to buy a property with easy access to EV charging stations:

| Location              | Charging devices (per 100 electric vehicles) | Average house price |
|-----------------------|----------------------------------------------|---------------------|
| Blaenau Gwent         | 22.0                                         | £112.343            |
| Western Isles         | 35.4                                         | £129,365            |
| Sunderland            | 22.2                                         | £132,345            |
| Fermanagh and Omagh   | 21.3                                         | £139,626            |
| Dumfries and Galloway | 21.3                                         | £148,546            |
| Argyll and Bute       | 23.2                                         | £158,460            |
| Lincoln               | 26.4                                         | £169,115            |
| Boston                | 22.6                                         | £173,304            |
| Highland              | 22.8                                         | £184,214            |
| Gwynedd               | 23.9                                         | £193,961            |
| Coventry              | 38.3                                         | £204,170            |
| Isle of Anglesey      | 24.4                                         | £211,175            |
| Eden                  | 20.7                                         | £220,735            |
| Pembrokeshire         | 25.2                                         | £222,428            |

## Does an EV charging point add value to your home?

![home ev charging point](//images.ctfassets.net/us6n8ous4bz0/2RoX2VY9Yv0fMbfBBJrBoH/281ba0e8fa251c3a20afe2f5e9309175/home_ev_charging_point.jpg)

Yes, an EV charging point is likely to add value to your property. According to a [study released by Rivervale Leasing in July 2021](https://www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk/blog/posts/does-your-ev-charger-affect-your-house-price), an analysis of 1000 homes found that 76% of homes (with an EV charger installed) showed an increase in value. 

The findings correlate with predictions that the premium on EV charging point driveways is likely to increase, especially as the government moves to phase out petrol and diesel cars in 2030. What’s more, the current demographics of electric car owners indicate drivers with greater wealth at their disposal. As such, you can expect an EV-adapted home to appeal to wealthy buyers and therefore, sell for more.

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## How much does it cost to install an electric car charger?

On average, it costs £800 to install an electric car charger, but with the help of the Government’s Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, you could pay a substantial amount less.

### Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme: Everything you need to know

In order to meet their goals of carbon net neutrality, the UK Government is encouraging car owners to go electric. As such, their Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme subsidises some of the costs of installing an EV charging station. The grant may fund up to 75% towards the cost of installing an EV charge point in your home.

* The grant is capped at £350 (including VAT) per installation.
* To be eligible, the person must own a [qualifying vehicle](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme-eligible-vehicles) and have dedicated off-street parking.
* If you live in Scotland, you can get an additional £300 grant, depending on where in the country you reside.
* If you own two qualifying vehicles, you may apply for two charge points at the same property.

#### How does it work?

To get money off your EV home charger, just follow these simple steps.

1. Choose an EV charge point installer to fit your charging station. You can ask the installer to double-check whether your household qualifies for the grant.
2. Make sure the installer is authorised by the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles. Your vehicle must also be listed as eligible on the [Gov.UK website](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme-eligible-vehicles).
3. When the installation is complete, the electrician will then bill you for the price of installation with the grant applied.

### How do you use a public electric car charger?

![how to use a public ev charging point](//images.ctfassets.net/us6n8ous4bz0/3Z9lJLQxZjHyGLoToThmfC/9af58edf7fcd8aa20ce0c45590ce657a/how_to_use_a_public_ev_charging_point.jpg)

If you’re an electric car owner, you might have some trepidation about using the public charging points dotted around the country. Luckily, the process is straightforward enough - just don’t forget to take your own separate charging cable with you, as the public station might not have one.

1. First, locate the charging station using [Zap-Map](https://www.zap-map.com) and park up alongside it.
2. Access your charging point, which should be located on the front of your vehicle, or on the side.
3. Plug your car into the charging station using the cable provided (or your own if none are available).
4. Unless you belong to a membership scheme, most stations require either up-front card payments or payments through a company app.

## Summary

“Our cars and our homes go hand in hand as they’re often the two most expensive assets we own and the two we’re most proud of. 

We know how a driveway or garage space can add real value to a home but with more of us opting for electric vehicles to help reduce our impact on the environment, the ability to charge them is fast becoming a very sought after amenity amongst homebuyers. 

Unfortunately, there aren’t many locations that offer an abundance of charging stations and even fewer still that also offer an affordable foot on the ladder.

As with any emerging technology, it should only be a matter of time before this tide starts to turn and we gain greater access to charging stations to help meet the growing demand for greener transport.”

- Colby Short - GetAgent CEO 

Public electric vehicle charger by a river.

The most affordable homebuyer hotspots for electric car owners

We took matters into our own hands, and worked out the most affordable homebuyer hotspots for electric cars.

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