The Most Common Enquiries Buyers Raise — And How Sellers Can Prepare
When a buyer’s solicitor reviews the contract pack, title documents, and search results, they often raise a series of enquiries to clarify issues that could affect the buyer’s use and enjoyment of the property. Some questions are routine, while others arise because something in the documentation needs further explanation.
For sellers, understanding these common enquiries — and preparing for them early — can significantly reduce delays in the conveyancing process.
1. Certificates for Windows, Boilers, Wood Burners/Multi-Fuel Stoves and Electrical Works
Buyers frequently request evidence that any replacement windows, boiler installations, or electrical works were carried out by qualified contractors. This is particularly true within 10 years of the date of the installation, in which time period the Local Authority can enforce that these works are re-done in accordance with Building Regulation standards if they are not already.
Typical enquiries include:
• FENSA or CERTASS certification for replacement windows
• Gas Safe documentation for boiler installations
• Electrical works evidence or an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Building Regulations approval certificate or HETAS Certificate for installation of wood burners/multi fuel stoves
How sellers can prepare:
Locate all certificates before agreeing the sale of the property. If documentation is missing, indemnity insurance may be an option — provided the local authority hasn’t been contacted.
2. Planning Permission and Building Regulations
If the property has been extended, altered, or structurally modified, buyers expect to see the relevant consents.
Typical enquiries include:
• Copies of planning permissions
• Building regulations approval for structural works
• Details of the date and nature of alterations
How sellers can prepare:
Gather all paperwork related to works carried out. If consents weren’t obtained you could potentially contact the tradesperson who performed the work who could provide a retrospective certificate. If this is not possible, speak to your conveyancer about indemnity insurance. However do not contact the Local Planning Authority or Building Control Department as this may prevent indemnity insurance from being obtained.
3. Guarantees and Warranties
Buyers often seek reassurance that key elements of the property are protected by guarantees. These may relate to:
• Damp proofing
• Roofing works
• Timber treatments
• New appliances or installations
How sellers can prepare:
- Ensure guarantees are available and confirm whether they are transferable to the buyer.
4. Boundaries and Neighbour Relations
Boundary responsibilities and neighbour issues are common areas of enquiry.
Buyers may ask:
• Who maintains each boundary
• Whether there have been any disputes
• Whether boundaries match the title plan
How sellers can prepare:
Provide accurate information and disclose any disputes that have occurred as soon as possible.
5. Covenants, Restrictions, and Rights Affecting the Property
Buyers want clarity on any covenants or rights that may restrict property use.
Enquiries often relate to:
• Restrictions on alterations
• Rights of way or shared access
• Covenants requiring third-party consent
How sellers can prepare:
Review your title documents and provide copies of any consents previously obtained. If there is a restriction on the title of your property it may speed things up to contact the benefactor of the restriction as early as possible, but check with your conveyancer first as an historic breach of covenant may be able to be dealt with by way of indemnity insurance, but not if the benefactor has previously been contacted.
6. Leasehold Information (Where Applicable)
Leasehold transactions generate numerous enquiries due to added management and cost layers. Typical enquiries include:
• Service charge accounts and budgets
• Buildings insurance
• Details of any planned major works to the building (where the property is a flat)
• Ground rent and service charge arrears
How sellers can prepare:
Request the leasehold management pack from the management company as soon as the property is marketed, as delays are common and provide any recent correspondence from the management company at the outset of the matter.
Ensure that all requirements of the lease are being fulfilled. In some leasehold properties, the lease contains a clause requiring the landlord or management company to approve the incoming purchaser. Quite often this is not discovered until part way through the transaction and can cause delays to completion.
7. Parking, Access, and Shared Areas
Buyers want clarity on parking arrangements and shared access. Enquiries may include:
• Whether parking is specifically allocated or informal, particularly on a shared car park
• Details of shared driveways
• Confirmation of rights of access
How sellers can prepare:
Review title documents and provide any relevant agreements or correspondence.
By anticipating these enquiries and preparing documentation early, sellers can streamline the conveyancing process and avoid unnecessary delays. A proactive approach not only speeds up the transaction but also builds buyer confidence which will increase the overall likelihood of the transaction completing.
(This article is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide specific legal advice. It should not be relied upon in the absence of specific advice given in relation to particular circumstances.)
For further information, please contact: James Dodsworth
