What Is a Property Information Form and Why Does Your Conveyancer Need One?

When selling a property, one of the key documents you'll be asked to complete is the Property Information Form (TA6).

Although it may seem like another administrative task, the TA6 form plays an important role in the conveyancing process. It provides buyers with information that may not be revealed by title documents, searches, or surveys, while helping conveyancers identify potential issues at an early stage. Ultimately, it promotes transparency and helps transactions progress more smoothly.

The TA6 form is a standard questionnaire completed by the seller. It provides information about the property and its history, helping buyers gain a clearer understanding of what they are purchasing.

The form covers matters such as boundaries, neighbour disputes, planning permissions, building regulation approvals, alterations and extensions, rights of way, parking arrangements, flooding risks, utilities, and environmental issues. Sellers are also asked to provide details of any guarantees, warranties, certificates, and other supporting documentation relating to the property.

The information contained in the TA6 form helps your conveyancer prepare the legal paperwork and provide key information to the buyer's solicitor.

It can also highlight potential issues, such as boundary disputes, flooding, or unauthorised alterations, allowing them to be investigated before they cause delays. A thoroughly completed form can answer many of the buyer's solicitor's initial enquiries, reducing the need for further questions and helping the transaction progress more efficiently.

The form also assists conveyancers in meeting their professional obligations by ensuring relevant property information is disclosed appropriately throughout the transaction. 

The information provided in the TA6 form must be accurate and complete, as buyers are entitled to rely upon it when deciding whether to proceed with the purchase.

Providing incorrect or misleading information could result in a claim for misrepresentation if the buyer suffers a loss. Sellers should therefore answer questions honestly, review their responses carefully, and inform their conveyancer of any changes before completion.

If you are unsure about any aspect of the form, seek advice rather than making assumptions. Supporting documents can also help verify the information provided and reduce the likelihood of additional enquiries.

Your conveyancer may ask for documents to support the information disclosed in the form, including:

• Planning permissions
• Building regulation approval certificates
• FENSA certificates
• Electrical installation certificates
• Gas Safe certificates
• New-build warranties
• Guarantees for damp-proofing, timber treatment, roofing, or glazing works

Providing these documents early can help avoid delays, reduce further enquiries, and reassure buyers that any works carried out at the property were completed correctly.

Ideally, the TA6 form should be completed as soon as you instruct a conveyancer or put your property on the market.

Preparing the form early gives your conveyancer time to review the information, obtain any supporting documents, and address potential issues before they affect the transaction. This proactive approach can help keep the sale moving smoothly once a buyer is found.

The Property Information Form is far more than a box-ticking exercise. It is a key part of the conveyancing process that helps buyers make informed decisions and enables conveyancers to identify and resolve issues before they become obstacles.

By completing the form accurately and at an early stage, sellers can help minimise delays, reduce the risk of disputes, and support a smoother property sale from start to finish.