What Is a TA6 Form? A Guide for Buyers and Sellers

If you are buying or selling a property in England or Wales, you are likely to come across a TA6 form during the conveyancing process. But what is a TA6 form, what information does it contain, and why is it important when selling a house?

The TA6 Property Information Form is one of the key documents used during the conveyancing process. It provides the buyer with important information about the property and can help identify issues that may need further investigation before contracts are exchanged.

In this guide, we explain what a TA6 form is, who completes it, what information it contains and why it is important when buying or selling a property.

What is a TA6 form?

A TA6 form is a Property Information Form completed by the seller of a property.

It is designed to give the buyer and their conveyancer information about the property that may not be obvious from the title documents or a physical inspection.

The form covers a wide range of matters relating to the property, including boundaries, disputes, alterations, guarantees, insurance and other relevant information.

The TA6 is intended to help the buyer make an informed decision about the property before committing to the purchase.

What does TA6 stand for?

TA6 refers to the Property Information Form used in residential conveyancing.

The form is produced by the Law Society and is widely used when selling residential property in England and Wales.

There have been different versions of the TA6 over time, so the exact questions and requirements can vary depending on the version being used for a particular transaction.

Who completes the TA6 form?

The seller normally completes the TA6 form.

If there is more than one seller, the sellers will generally need to provide the information required.

The seller should answer the questions as accurately as possible based on their knowledge and the documents available to them.

It is important not to guess when completing the form. If you are unsure about an answer, you should check the relevant paperwork or ask your conveyancer for guidance.

What information is included in a TA6 form?

The TA6 covers a broad range of information about the property.

Depending on the version of the form, it can ask about matters such as:

• Property boundaries

• Disputes and complaints

• Notices and proposals

• Alterations and building work

• Planning and building regulations

• Guarantees and warranties

• Insurance

• Environmental matters

• Parking arrangements

• Rights and informal arrangements

• Property services

• Energy efficiency

• Transaction information

The purpose is to give the buyer information that could be relevant to their decision to purchase the property.

Why is the TA6 form important?

Buying a property is a significant financial commitment, and the buyer needs more information than they can obtain from simply viewing the property.

For example, a property viewing may not reveal:

• A dispute with a neighbour

• Building work carried out without the necessary approvals

• A shared access arrangement

• A boundary disagreement

• Restrictions affecting the property

• Previous insurance claims

• Certain guarantees or warranties

The TA6 provides an opportunity for the seller to disclose relevant information.

The buyer’s conveyancer can then consider the answers and raise additional enquiries where necessary.

What questions does a TA6 form ask?

The precise questions depend on the version of the TA6 being used, but the form generally covers several key areas.

Boundaries

The seller may be asked questions about the property’s boundaries and whether there are any known disputes or unusual arrangements.

If you are selling a property, it is important to consider whether you have had any disagreements with neighbours about where the boundary lies.

Disputes

The TA6 can ask whether there have been any disputes or complaints relating to the property.

This could include disagreements with neighbours or other issues that may be relevant to a prospective buyer.

Notices

The seller may need to disclose certain notices that have been received which could affect the property.

These could relate to works, planning matters or other issues.

Alterations and building work

If you have carried out extensions, conversions or other significant work, the TA6 may ask for details.

The buyer may want to know whether the necessary planning permissions, building regulations approvals, certificates or other documentation are available.

Guarantees and warranties

The form can also ask about guarantees or warranties relating to work carried out at the property.

For example, there may be a guarantee relating to roofing work, damp treatment, windows or another installation.

Keeping these documents safe can make the conveyancing process easier when you come to sell.

Insurance

The seller may be asked about buildings insurance and certain insurance-related matters concerning the property.

Environmental matters

Questions can cover environmental issues that may be relevant to the property.

These should be answered carefully based on the seller’s knowledge and available documentation.

Does every property need a TA6 form?

The TA6 is widely used in residential property transactions, but the precise documentation required can vary depending on the circumstances.

For example, additional forms may be required when selling a leasehold property.

A leasehold seller may also need to complete a TA7 Leasehold Information Form, while a TA10 Fittings and Contents Form may be used to confirm which items are included in the sale.

Your conveyancer can confirm which forms are required for your particular transaction.

What is the difference between a TA6, TA7 and TA10?

These forms have different purposes.

If you are selling a leasehold property, you may need to complete more than one of these forms.

What happens after the TA6 is completed?

Once the seller has completed the TA6, it is normally sent to their conveyancer.

The information can then be provided to the buyer’s conveyancer as part of the legal process.

The buyer’s conveyancer will review the answers and may raise further enquiries if they need clarification or additional evidence.

For example, if the TA6 says that an extension was built several years ago, the buyer’s solicitor may ask for copies of planning permission or building regulations documentation.

Can a TA6 form delay a property sale?

It can.

If the form is incomplete, inaccurate or raises questions that require further investigation, this can result in additional enquiries.

Delays can also occur if the seller needs to locate documents relating to previous building work, guarantees or other matters.

This is why it can be beneficial for sellers to start gathering relevant paperwork before putting their property on the market.

What happens if you make a mistake on a TA6 form?

If you realise that you have provided incorrect or incomplete information, tell your conveyancer as soon as possible.

Do not ignore the issue or assume that it will not matter.

Your conveyancer can advise you on the appropriate way to correct or clarify the information.

Providing accurate information is important because buyers can rely on information supplied during the conveyancing process.

Do sellers have to answer every TA6 question?

The seller should complete the form as required and answer the questions accurately.

Some questions may not apply to a particular property, while others may require the seller to provide additional information.

If you do not understand a question, speak to your conveyancer rather than guessing.

It is particularly important to distinguish between information you know personally and matters about which you are uncertain.

Tips for completing a TA6 form

If you are selling a property, completing the TA6 carefully can help make the conveyancing process smoother.

1. Start early

Don’t wait until you have accepted an offer before thinking about the information you will need.

2. Find your paperwork

Locate documents relating to:

• Extensions

• Loft conversions

• Conservatories

• Windows and doors

• Electrical work

• Boiler installations

• Guarantees

• Planning permissions

• Building regulations

• Other alterations

3. Be accurate

Answer questions honestly and accurately based on your knowledge.

4. Don’t guess

If you don’t know the answer, check your records or ask your conveyancer.

5. Keep copies

Keep a copy of the completed form and any supporting documents for your records.

Is the TA6 form legally binding?

The TA6 is an important conveyancing document, but its precise legal effect can depend on the circumstances and the contractual arrangements.

Buyers may rely on information provided by the seller, which is why accuracy is important.

If you are unsure about what you are required to disclose or how a particular question should be answered, obtain advice from your conveyancer before completing the form.

Final thoughts: What is a TA6 form?

The TA6 form is an important part of the conveyancing process when selling a residential property. It gives the buyer information about the property that may not be apparent from a viewing or the title documents alone.

For sellers, taking time to complete the TA6 accurately and gathering supporting documents early can help reduce delays and additional enquiries.

For buyers, carefully reviewing the TA6 can help identify issues that may need further investigation before contracts are exchanged.

If you are unsure how to answer any part of the form, speak to your conveyancer before submitting it. It is always better to clarify an issue at the beginning of the process than to discover a problem later.

This article provides general information about the TA6 Property Information Form in England and Wales and is not legal advice. The requirements and legal position can vary depending on the circumstances of a transaction. If you are buying or selling a property, speak to your conveyancer for advice specific to your circumstances.