ARTICLE UPDATE – Common causes that delay property sale transactions…

Following on from our article relating to the common causes that delay property sales transactions, first published in 2017 and updated in September 2022 we have updated the contact information for the various parties you may need to contact when preparing to sell your property in order to prevent any delays to the process;

1. If the property is less than 10 years old you will need to provide the new home warranty for the original construction. The most common provider is NHBC and duplicate NHBC certificates can be obtained at https://www.nhbc.co.uk/homeowners/find-your-policy, the current cost for a replacement is £42.00 including VAT.

For certificates issued under other warranty providers please refer to the individual provider websites for details

2. If the property has been structurally altered or extended, the relevant planning permission, building regulation approval and completion certificate (if applicable) will be required. In the event that these were not obtained when you purchased the property, you should contact the conveyancer who acted in your purchase as they may hold electronic copies that they can email to you.  Please do not contact the local authority without speaking to your new conveyancer if you do not hold the consents.

If you are unsure whether any changes made by you or a previous owner would have required consent the following website details common projects and if such works would have required planning permission or building regulations approval:  https://interactive.planningportal.co.uk/explore-house.

3. Since April 2002, the installation of new windows and glazed doors must be covered by a Building Regulation Compliance Certificate issued by a member of an authorised Competent Person Scheme being either FENSA or CERTASS or directly by the local authority.

FENSA (0207 6453700) www.fensa.org.uk/fensa-certificate.  Current charge £25 including VAT online.

CERTASS (01292 502396) current charge £30 including VAT – email [email protected].

4. Since 1 January 2005, any rewiring or electrical alterations should be carried out by a contractor who is registered with NICEIC or NAPIT. The contractor should provide an electrical installation certificate and, unless minor works, a Building Regulation Compliance Certificate.

NICEIC (0333 0156625 – customer services) the certificate is free if requested by telephone and £32.50 including VAT if obtained online www.checkmynotification.com.

NAPIT (0345 5430330 – option 2). The charges are £36.00 including VAT for an Electronic PDF copy and £54.00 including VAT for a hard copy posted via Royal Mail. Email NAPIT customer services on [email protected] .

5. If a new boiler has been installed since 1 April 2005, any installation must be carried out by a qualified contractor. They will automatically inform the local authority that works have been carried out on your property and you will be issued with a Building Regulation Compliance Certificate.

Gas boilers:

If the boiler was installed between April 2005 and March 2009, duplicate certificates can be obtained from CORGI (01256 548040) [email protected] –  for a fee of £40 plus vat.

If installed after March 2009, duplicate certificates can be obtained from GAS SAFE REGISTER (Tel: 0800 4085500). The current cost is £8.10 for a PDF copy https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gas-safety/gas-safety-certificates-records/building-regulations-certificate/order-replacement-building-regulations-certificate/.

Oil-fired boilers:

A duplicate installation Certificate can be obtained from OFTEC for a fee of £40.00 excluding VAT https://www.oftec.org/consumers/order-a-certificate

Separate building regulations approval will also be required for the installation of the oil storage tank if this has been replaced separately.

6. Any installation of a log burner requires a HETAS certificate which HETAS will be happy to provide. They can be contacted by Telephone: 01684 278170, email [email protected] – or by visiting the website https://www.hetas.co.uk/consumer/certificates-of-compliance/ the cost is £34.80.
7. If a chimney is swept, a certificate from the contractor is required – ensure you have a copy available.
8. You may have guarantees for damp or timber work carried out at the property and the originals will be required. In addition, the guarantee will usually refer to a report or contract and this will also be needed.  Duplicates can be obtained from the contractor.
9. An EV Charger Installation is subject to building control so you should provide the necessary certificate from your installer. If they are not registered under a competent persons scheme the relevant certificate should be obtained from the Council.
10. Cavity Wall insulation will usually be covered by a 25 year CIGA Guarantee. Duplicate certificates can be obtained for £60.00 plus VAT. Submit your request via email to [email protected].
11. Solar Panels installed in your property are subject to building regulations. You should contact your installer in the first instance for a duplicate certificate. MCS can provide a duplicate in the event that the installer is no longer certified or no longer trading. Please visit https://mcscertified.com/consumers/mcs-certificate-queries/request-an-mcs-certificate/ for more information.
12. If you pay maintenance charges for shared services on your estate you will need to provide a management pack to your buyers. The cost of supplying these packs varies and can take a number of weeks to be produced. You should therefore disclose the management information to your Conveyancer at the outset of your transaction

If you need more information regarding the common causes that delay property sale transactions or are considering selling your home and would like further advice and guidance…Talk to Tollers on 01604 258558 and our team will assist you with all your conveyancing needs.