What You Need to Market Your Property on Virify

The documents, details and small things that make a big difference

Getting your listing live is much easier when you have the essentials ready up front. It speeds up verification, reduces back-and-forth, and helps genuine buyers feel confident they're dealing with a real seller.

You don't need to gather every document on day one. But if you prepare the core items now, your listing looks more credible, enquiries are easier to answer, and your sale is more likely to move smoothly once you accept an offer.

This guide covers what Virify needs to verify your listing, what most sellers legally need (such as an EPC), and a few smart extras that reduce questions later.

Key takeaways

• Have photo ID and proof of ownership ready to verify your listing and reduce scams.
• Most homes need a valid EPC, and you usually need to order it before you market the property.
• An official copy of the title register is a straightforward way to show ownership for registered properties in England and Wales.
• If your property is unregistered, you may need original deeds and a conveyancer, especially for first registration.
• Put key paperwork in one folder now (lease, guarantees, certificates). It can save delays later.

What to prepare before you list

Aim to have these ready:

• Photo ID (for seller verification)
• Proof you own the property (one of the options below)
• EPC (if required)
• A simple “property info” note for viewings and enquiries (optional, but helpful)

1) Prove who you are

To help prevent bots and scammers, Virify asks sellers to provide photo ID.

Accepted photo ID

1. Driving licence
2. Passport

Upload tip

• Make sure the photo is clear, uncropped, and readable
• Avoid glare and shadows
• Check your name and photo are sharp before uploading

2) Prove you own the property

Virify will also ask for proof you own the property you're listing.

Option A: Official copy of the title register (recommended for most sellers in England and Wales)

For registered properties, an official copy of the title register is usually the simplest proof of ownership. GOV.UK explains you can order an official copy of the register if you need to prove ownership.

Notion-friendly steps

1. Use HM Land Registry’s “Search for land and property information” service
2. Search for your address
3. Order the title register (and title plan if you need it)
4. Upload the PDF to Virify

Helpful note

• If a property doesn't appear in a search, it may be recorded under a different address, and you may need an index map search.

Option B: Sales paperwork or a mortgage statement

If you have recently bought the property and Land Registry records are not yet updated, sales paperwork or a mortgage statement can help show your connection to the property.

Practical approach

• Use what you have that clearly links you, the property address, and the transaction or mortgage
• If you're unsure, message Virify support with what you have and we can advise what's likely to be accepted

Option C: Hard copy deeds (for unregistered property)

Some properties are unregistered and may have older paper deeds rather than a modern title register. If first registration is needed, it usually helps to involve a solicitor or conveyancer.

What you may need

• Scans or photos of any deeds you hold
• A conveyancer’s support if first registration is required

Important update on originals

HM Land Registry has stated that from 1 October 2024 it no longer accepts conveyancer applications for first registration based entirely on certified copies, and original deeds are needed in that context.

• If you're not sure whether your property is registered
  • Try searching it using the Land Registry service first
  • If nothing shows, it may be unregistered, but don't assume. Check with a conveyancer.

If you can't locate ownership documents

This is common, and there are a few places to try:

• Your conveyancer (if you bought recently)
• Your mortgage lender (they may hold copies of certain documents)
• HM Land Registry records for registered titles, noting they don't store original paper deeds

3) Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Do you need an EPC?

In most cases, you must have an EPC when selling or renting, and you must order it for potential buyers and tenants before you market the property.

How to check if you already have one

Use the official “Find an energy certificate” service to search by address.

Good to know

• EPCs are generally valid for 10 years, unless replaced by a newer one.
• In Scotland, GOV.UK states the EPC must be displayed somewhere in the property, for example in the meter cupboard or next to the boiler.
• Some buildings can be exempt, and it's worth checking the official guidance if you think this applies to you.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

4) The legal bits you'll need later

You don't need every document before you list, but getting organised early can reduce delays once an offer is accepted.

England and Wales

After you accept an offer, the process moves through solicitors and conveyancers, and the deal is usually not legally binding until exchange of contracts (your legal professional will guide you).

Scotland

Offers are typically submitted via legal professionals, so your solicitor is usually involved earlier.

Common documents your solicitor or conveyancer may ask for

Leasehold properties

• A copy of the lease
• Service charge information
• Buildings insurance information

Alterations and works

• Certificates and guarantees for windows and doors
• Boiler installation and servicing records
• Paperwork for major building work where applicable

Solicitors & Conveyancers

What is ‘Tenure’?

Ground Rent & Service Charge

5) Helpful extras

These aren't always required, but they reduce buyer questions and help viewings run smoothly.

Quick list

• Council tax band (or Northern Ireland rates note)
• What's included in the sale (appliances, blinds, sheds)
• Parking details (driveway, permit zone, visitor parking)
• Warranty and service history you can evidence (boiler, roof work, damp proofing)
• A simple “fact sheet” in your notes app so you can answer enquiries quickly

Virify-friendly example wording

• “Council tax band: D”
• “Included: oven, hob, fitted blinds, shed”
• “Parking: driveway for one car plus on-street parking”

Once you have the basics ready, listing on Virify becomes a straightforward upload, not a paperwork chase. Get your ID, ownership proof and EPC sorted first, then you can focus on photos, description and viewings.