The Property Information Most Sellers Don't Discover Until It's Too Late
Most homeowners assume their property is ready to sell until a buyer is found and the legal process begins. That's often when unexpected paperwork issues, missing certificates and hidden property information come to light. Here are some of the most common problems that can delay a sale and how to avoid them.
The Property Information Most Sellers Don't Discover Until It's Too Late
Quick Answer
What information can delay a property sale?
Some of the most common causes of delayed property sales include missing building regulation certificates, absent FENSA documentation, leasehold information, restrictive covenants, planning paperwork and title discrepancies.
Many homeowners only discover these issues after accepting an offer, when legal work is already underway.
The Government's new property reform roadmap aims to bring much of this information forward to the beginning of the process to reduce delays and improve transparency.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
For years, the home buying and selling process has operated in reverse.
A property is marketed.
An offer is accepted.
Then everyone starts investigating the property.
The problem?
That's often when surprises appear.
According to Government estimates, around one in three property sales fail before completion, with delays and missing information contributing significantly to the problem.
This is one of the key reasons the Government is pushing for more upfront property information.
1. Missing FENSA Certificates
If windows or doors have been replaced since 2002, buyers and solicitors will often want evidence that the work complied with building regulations.
This usually comes in the form of a FENSA certificate.
The challenge?
Many homeowners have no idea where theirs is.
Or whether one was ever issued.
Replacement certificates can usually be obtained, but this creates additional delays once the legal process has already started.
2. Building Regulation Approval
This catches homeowners out more than almost anything else.
Think about:
• Loft conversions
• Garage conversions
• Internal wall removals
• Extensions
• Conservatories
Many improvements were completed years ago.
But buyers' solicitors will often request evidence that the work was signed off correctly.
If paperwork is missing, resolving the issue can take weeks.
3. Leasehold Information
Recent leasehold reforms have increased awareness, but many sellers still underestimate how much information buyers require.
This can include:
• Ground rent details
• Service charges
• Management company information
• Planned major works
• Lease length
According to HomeOwners Alliance research, leasehold transactions often take longer than freehold sales due to the additional information required.
Source: https://hoa.org.uk/
4. Restrictive Covenants
One of the most misunderstood areas of property ownership.
A restrictive covenant is a legal condition attached to a property.
Examples can include restrictions on:
• Extensions
• Business use
• Parking arrangements
• Alterations
Many homeowners are completely unaware these exist until a solicitor highlights them during a transaction.
5. Planning Permission History
Buyers are becoming increasingly diligent.
Many now check:
• Planning applications nearby
• Historic permissions
• Local development plans
With planning information available online, buyers often arrive at viewings better informed than ever before.
This is another reason transparency is becoming increasingly important.
6. Title And Boundary Issues
According to HM Land Registry, title plans show general boundaries rather than exact legal boundaries.
This can occasionally lead to questions around:
• Fence positions
• Access rights
• Shared driveways
• Rights of way
These issues aren't necessarily deal breakers.
But discovering them late can slow transactions considerably.
Why The Government Wants This Information Earlier
The latest reform roadmap isn't really about paperwork.
It's about certainty.
The Government wants buyers to have access to more information before offers are made, helping reduce:
• Delays
• Fall throughs
• Unexpected surprises
• Transaction costs
For sellers, that means preparation is becoming increasingly valuable.
Could Reservation Agreements Become More Common?
One of the key themes running through the Government's proposed reforms is greater certainty.
The challenge with the current system is that buyers and sellers can invest significant time, money and emotional energy into a transaction, only for it to collapse weeks or even months later.
This is why there is growing interest in reservation agreements across the property industry.
A reservation agreement is designed to encourage commitment from both parties earlier in the process, helping to reduce the risk of unexpected withdrawals once a sale has been agreed.
While they are not mandatory, many industry experts believe measures that promote earlier commitment will play an increasingly important role as the home buying and selling process continues to evolve.
For sellers, this can provide greater confidence that a buyer is serious, while buyers gain reassurance that the property they have committed to is less likely to be remarketed unexpectedly.
How The Avenue Helps Sellers Get Ahead
The future of moving home is becoming increasingly clear:
More preparation.
More transparency.
More certainty.
At The Avenue, we are already helping homeowners embrace many of the principles behind the Government's reforms.
From preparing key property information before launch to offering solutions that can provide greater commitment and certainty once a sale is agreed, our focus is on helping sellers move with confidence and reducing avoidable delays wherever possible.
This helps create:
• Greater buyer confidence
• Smoother transactions
• Fewer surprises
• Faster progression
• More certainty once a sale is agreed
FAQ
Do I need a FENSA certificate to sell my house?
Not always, but buyers' solicitors will often request evidence that replacement windows complied with building regulations.
Can missing paperwork stop a property sale?
It can delay transactions significantly and, in some cases, lead to additional legal costs or buyer concerns.
What is the most commonly missing document when selling?
FENSA certificates, building regulation approvals and leasehold management information are among the most frequently requested items.
Should I gather paperwork before putting my home on the market?
Yes. Preparing documentation early can reduce delays and improve buyer confidence once a sale is agreed.
Can reservation agreements help reduce fall throughs?
They can help create greater commitment from both parties at an earlier stage of the transaction, reducing the likelihood of unexpected withdrawals.
What Should Homeowners Do Next?
The easiest time to identify potential issues is before your property launches, not halfway through a transaction.
If you're considering selling, understanding what information buyers are likely to request can save weeks of frustration later.