Property Information Form Tips: Avoid Common Mistakes

If you are selling a property in England or Wales, two forms will dominate your legal paperwork: the TA6 Property Information Form and the TA10 Fittings and Contents Form. Together, they give the buyer a detailed picture of the property, its history, and what is included in the sale. They also form part of the legally binding contract pack.

Getting these forms wrong is one of the most common reasons conveyancing stalls. Vague answers, missing details, and careless errors trigger rounds of follow-up conveyancing enquiries from the buyer's solicitor, adding weeks to the process and sometimes causing sales to collapse entirely. In the worst cases, inaccurate information can lead to misrepresentation claims after completion.

This guide covers the ten most common mistakes sellers make on property information forms and explains exactly how to avoid each one. Whether you are selling for the first time or have been through the process before, these practical tips will help you complete your forms accurately and keep your sale moving.

Note: The TA6 6th edition becomes mandatory on 30 March 2026. The tips below apply to all editions, but sellers completing the new form should also read our practical guide to the new TA6.

The top 10 mistakes sellers make on property forms

Based on guidance from the Law Society, feedback from conveyancers, and common patterns in post-completion disputes, these are the errors that cause the most problems:

Each of these mistakes is avoidable with a little preparation. The sections below explore the most impactful errors in detail and explain how to handle them properly.

Mistake 1: Leaving questions blank vs answering "not known"

This is the most frequent error conveyancers report seeing on seller forms. Many sellers skip questions they find confusing or irrelevant, assuming the buyer's solicitor will move past them. In practice, the opposite happens. A blank answer always generates a formal enquiry, and the seller then has to go back, find the information, and provide a written response — a process that typically adds one to two weeks to the timeline.

The correct approach is to answer every single question. If you genuinely do not have the information, select "not known" and add a brief explanation. For example: "The loft conversion was completed by a previous owner before our purchase in 2012. We have been unable to locate the building regulations completion certificate." This tells the buyer's solicitor that you have engaged with the question, considered your knowledge, and answered honestly. It is a legally safe position that rarely triggers further enquiries.

However, "not known" should never be used as a way to avoid disclosing something you do know about. Courts assess whether a reasonable person in your position would have known the answer. If you commissioned building work yourself, for instance, claiming "not known" about whether it had planning permission is not credible. For a detailed explanation of your disclosure obligations, see our guide on what to disclose when selling your home.

Mistake 2: Being too vague in your answers

Vagueness is the second biggest driver of additional enquiries. Answers like "some work was done to the kitchen a few years ago" or "there was a minor disagreement with a neighbour" tell the buyer's solicitor almost nothing and will always be followed up with specific questions about dates, scope, consents obtained, and outcomes.

A well-drafted answer includes the following details:

• What happened — describe the work, dispute, or issue clearly
• When it happened — give a date or at least a year
• Who was involved — the contractor, the neighbour, the local authority
• What consents or approvals were obtained — planning permission, building regulations sign-off, FENSA certificate
• What the outcome was — the dispute was resolved, the work was completed and signed off, the notice was complied with

For example, instead of "extension built," write: "Single-storey rear kitchen extension built in June 2018 by ABC Builders Ltd. Full planning permission granted by [council name] under reference 18/01234. Building regulations completion certificate issued September 2018. Copy attached." This level of detail satisfies the buyer's solicitor in one go and prevents a chain of follow-up enquiries.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to mention building work

Undisclosed building work is one of the most common causes of post-completion disputes. The planning and building control section of the TA6 asks about all alterations, extensions, and structural changes to the property, including work done by previous owners if you are aware of it. Many sellers either genuinely forget about work done years ago or assume that minor changes do not need to be mentioned.

The following types of work commonly catch sellers out:

• Loft conversions and garage conversions
• Removal or alteration of internal walls
• Replacement windows and doors (which require FENSA certification or building regulations approval)
• Re-wiring or new electrical installations
• New bathrooms involving changes to plumbing or drainage
• Installation of a wood-burning stove (which requires building regulations approval and often a HETAS certificate)
• Conservatories and garden rooms
• Changes to the roof structure

Before you start the form, walk through the property and make a list of every change that has been made since the house was originally built, as far as you know. Then gather the relevant certificates and permissions. If consents were never obtained for work that required them, disclose this honestly. Your solicitor can advise on remedies such as retrospective regularisation or indemnity insurance.

Mistake 4: Underestimating disputes and complaints

The disputes and complaints section of the TA6 asks whether you have been involved in any disputes with neighbours, local authorities, or anyone else regarding the property. Many sellers either downplay disputes or assume that resolved issues do not need to be disclosed.

In reality, the TA6 requires disclosure of all disputes, whether current or historic, and whether resolved or ongoing. This includes:

• Boundary disagreements, even if settled by informal agreement
• Noise complaints made to or received from the council
• Party wall disputes, including notices served under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
• Complaints about anti-social behaviour
• Planning objections made by or against neighbours
• Any correspondence with local authorities about the property

The safest approach is to over-disclose rather than under-disclose. A resolved dispute that you mention openly is unlikely to derail a sale. A dispute that you conceal, however, can lead to a misrepresentation claim if the buyer discovers it through title records, Land Registry documents, or conversations with neighbours.

Mistake 5: Not checking boundary responsibilities

Boundary questions on the TA6 ask who owns each boundary, whether any boundaries have been moved or repositioned, and whether there are any disputes about boundary lines. Many sellers answer these questions based on assumptions rather than checking the actual position.

To answer boundary questions accurately, you should:

1. Download your title plan from HM Land Registry (available for £3 at gov.uk/search-property-information-service). The title plan shows the general extent of your property but note that it does not guarantee exact boundary positions.
2. Check your title register for any covenants, easements, or obligations relating to boundary maintenance. Some titles include "T marks" indicating responsibility for specific boundary features.
3. Physically inspect the boundaries to check whether fences, walls, or hedges match what is shown on the title plan. If a neighbour has moved a fence or a boundary feature has changed since you purchased, note this.
4. Review any boundary agreements with neighbours. If you have agreed informally about responsibility for a shared fence or wall, mention this on the form.

Boundary issues are one of the most time-consuming areas of conveyancing enquiries. Getting the answers right the first time can save significant delays.

Mistake 6: Rushing the form

Many sellers treat the TA6 and TA10 as an inconvenience to be completed as quickly as possible. They fill in both forms from memory in under an hour, submit them without checking, and then spend weeks dealing with follow-up enquiries about the answers they got wrong or left incomplete.

A much better approach is to set aside a dedicated block of time — typically two to four hours — to complete both forms carefully with your documents in front of you. If you prepare properly, this single sitting can save you weeks of back-and-forth later. For more tips on streamlining the process, see our guide on how to speed up conveyancing as a seller.

Mistake 7: Not gathering documents first

Starting the TA6 without your documents to hand is one of the biggest time-wasters in the conveyancing process. Without paperwork, you end up guessing at dates, leaving questions half answered, or writing "will confirm" — all of which trigger additional enquiries.

Before you begin, assemble the following:

Having these documents ready means you can answer questions with confidence, attach supporting evidence, and give the buyer's solicitor everything they need in a single submission.

Mistake 8: Inconsistencies between the TA6 and TA10

The TA6 and TA10 are companion documents, and the buyer's solicitor will read them together. Inconsistencies between the two forms are a reliable way to generate additional enquiries and slow down your sale.

Common inconsistencies include:

• Mentioning a kitchen extension on the TA6 but marking kitchen appliances as "none at property" on the TA10
• Describing a conservatory on the TA6 but not listing its fittings and contents on the TA10
• Stating on the TA6 that central heating was replaced but not reflecting the new system accurately in the TA10's heating section
• Listing a garden shed as a structure on the TA6 but marking it as "excluded" on the TA10 (a shed bolted to a concrete base is generally a fixture)

The simplest way to avoid this is to complete both forms at the same time and review them side by side before sending them to your solicitor. If you mention a room, feature, or improvement on one form, make sure the other form reflects it consistently.

Mistake 9: Not reviewing before submitting

It sounds obvious, but a surprising number of sellers submit their forms without reading them through. Typos, missed questions, and outdated information are all easily caught with a single read-through. Ask someone who knows the property, such as a partner or co-owner, to review the forms as well. A second pair of eyes often catches errors you have overlooked.

Pay particular attention to:

• Questions you marked as "not known" — can you actually find the answer with a bit of effort?
• Dates and reference numbers — are they accurate?
• Attached documents — have you included everything you referenced?
• Descriptions of work — are they specific enough to avoid follow-up questions?

Mistake 10: Treating "not known" as a safe default

While "not known" is a legitimate and useful answer when used honestly, some sellers overuse it as a way to avoid giving detailed responses. This approach backfires for two reasons.

First, a form full of "not known" answers will prompt the buyer's solicitor to raise enquiries on every single one of them, generating a lengthy list of questions that delays the transaction. Second, if it is later shown that you clearly should have known the answer — for example, because you lived in the property for 20 years and oversaw the building work yourself — then your "not known" answer could be treated as concealment rather than honest uncertainty. Courts apply the test of what a reasonable person in your position would have known.

General tips for completing forms accurately and quickly

Beyond avoiding the ten mistakes above, the following practices will help you produce thorough, solicitor-ready forms:

1. Complete both forms before listing your property. This is the single most effective step you can take. Having your TA6 and TA10 ready when an offer comes in means your solicitor can issue the contract pack immediately, removing weeks from theconveyancing timeline.
2. Use the form as a checklist, not a test. The TA6 is designed to capture information about your property. There are no trick questions. Work through it methodically, section by section, and treat each question as an opportunity to provide useful information rather than an obstacle.
3. Attach supporting documents to your answers. Wherever a question relates to work, permissions, or certificates, attach a copy of the relevant document. This preempts follow-up enquiries and demonstrates thoroughness.
4. Ask your solicitor about anything you find confusing. If a question on the TA6 is unclear, do not guess. Contact your solicitor and ask for clarification. A brief phone call or email now can save weeks of enquiries later.
5. Keep a copy of everything you submit. Retain copies of your completed forms and all attached documents. If a dispute arises after completion, you will want evidence of exactly what you disclosed and when.
6. Update the forms if circumstances change. If something changes between completing the forms and exchanging contracts — for example, you receive a notice from the local authority or a new dispute arises — notify your solicitor immediately so the forms can be updated.

How thorough forms reduce enquiries and speed up the sale

Every follow-up enquiry from the buyer's solicitor adds time to your sale. A single round of additional enquiries typically takes one to two weeks, and it is not uncommon for poorly completed forms to generate two or three rounds. In a transaction that already averages 12 to 16 weeks, this can add a month or more to the process — time during which the buyer might find another property, lose their mortgage offer, or simply lose patience.

Conversely, a thoroughly completed set of forms with detailed answers and supporting documents often results in fewer than five follow-up enquiries, many of which can be resolved quickly. The buyer's solicitor receives a clear, comprehensive picture of the property, which builds confidence and reduces the temptation to raise speculative enquiries as a precaution.

This is the principle behind Pine. By guiding you through the TA6 and TA10 with plain-English explanations and helping you gather the right documents before you list your property, Pine helps you create a solicitor-ready legal pack that minimises enquiries and keeps your sale moving at pace. Instead of scrambling to complete forms after an offer is accepted, you arrive at the conveyancing stage with everything already in order.

A quick-reference checklist for submitting your forms

Before you send your completed TA6 and TA10 to your solicitor, run through this final checklist:

1. Every question on both forms has been answered — no blanks
2. All "not known" answers include a brief explanation
3. All building work is listed with dates, contractor details, and consent references
4. All disputes and complaints are disclosed, including resolved ones
5. Boundary information matches your title plan
6. The TA6 and TA10 are consistent with each other
7. Supporting documents are attached for every relevant answer
8. Both forms have been reviewed by you and any co-owner
9. Your solicitor has reviewed and approved the forms before they go to the buyer's solicitor

Getting this right from the start is one of the simplest ways to speed up your conveyancing and avoid the delays that cause so many sales to fall through.

How to complete all seller forms quickly

There are typically three main forms sellers must complete during a property sale in England and Wales: the TA6 (property information), the TA10 (fixtures and fittings), and, if the property is leasehold, the TA7 (leasehold information). Filling in all three can feel daunting, but a systematic approach means you can have everything done in a single sitting rather than spreading the work over weeks.

Use the following checklist to save time and avoid going back and forth with your solicitor:

1. Gather documents first — collect all certificates, guarantees, planning permissions, and service records before sitting down to fill in forms. Having everything in front of you means fewer half-finished answers and fewer follow-up requests from your solicitor.
2. Complete the TA10 room by room — walk through the property with the form in hand, deciding on each item as you go. This is far more accurate than trying to recall every fitting from memory. For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to fill in the TA10.
3. Answer the TA6 honestly, not perfectly — "not known" is a valid answer where you are genuinely uncertain. Do not guess. An honest "not known" with a brief explanation is always safer than an inaccurate answer that could later be challenged. Our guide on the TA6 form explains each section in detail.
4. For leasehold, request the management pack immediately — the TA7 cannot be completed without information from your freeholder or managing agent, and management packs typically take two to four weeks to arrive. Request it the moment you instruct your solicitor, not when you sit down to fill in forms. See our guide on management information packs for leasehold properties for more detail.
5. Set aside two to three hours — complete all forms in one sitting while the information is fresh. Spreading the work over several days increases the risk of inconsistencies and forgotten details.
6. Ask your solicitor what they need upfront — some firms send a combined questionnaire covering all three forms, which can streamline the process. Knowing exactly what is expected before you start means less wasted effort.
7. Return forms within one week — every week of delay on seller forms adds a week to the overall conveyancing timeline. Setting yourself a one-week deadline keeps the transaction moving.

Returning completed forms promptly is one of the single biggest things sellers can do to speed up their sale. The contract pack cannot be issued until your solicitor has your forms, and the buyer's solicitor cannot begin reviewing the legal title in full until they receive it. Every day that forms sit incomplete on your kitchen table is a day added to the overall timeline.

Sources

• Law Society of England and Wales — Property Information Form (TA6), 6th edition, 2026 (mandatory from 30 March 2026)
• Law Society of England and Wales — Fittings and Contents Form (TA10), 4th edition, 2019
• Law Society Conveyancing Protocol, 5th edition — lawsociety.org.uk
• Misrepresentation Act 1967 — legislation.gov.uk
• Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 — legislation.gov.uk
• HM Land Registry — Search for property information service: gov.uk/search-property-information-service
• Home Buying and Selling Group — research on conveyancing timelines in England and Wales
• National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team —Material Information in Property Listings guidance — ntselat.gov.uk
• Gov.uk — Planning Permission guidance: gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales

Frequently asked questions