Denise Stradling, Partner in our Residential Property team, explains.
When selling your home, you’ll typically be asked to complete a number of forms to let potential buyers know all about your property. These are important documents which help the buyer make informed decisions before committing to a purchase.
The Law Society has recently released updated versions of these forms, known as the Protocol Forms. In particular, the Property Information Form (TA6) and the Leasehold Information Form (TA7) have both been updated and the new versions will become compulsory for use by Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accredited firms (like Blandy & Blandy) from 30 March 2026.
These forms, along with the Fittings and Contents Form (TA10), make up the main set of documents you’ll receive when buying or selling a home.
What are the Protocol Forms?
The forms provide a structured approach by which a seller can provide material information about their property to a prospective buyer. When looking to purchase a property, it is important for a buyer to understand the full picture in relation to the property they are buying, warts and all.
The Property Information Form (TA6) covers off information on the property’s legal, structural, and environmental status. The Leasehold Information Form (TA7) (for leasehold properties) details more about the particulars of the lease and information regarding the management and upkeep of the building, grounds and, were relevant, wider development. You can read more about the difference between leasehold and freehold properties in our recent blog article.
The Fittings and Contents Form (TA10) is another commonly used form which looks at which fittings and fixtures are included, or not included, in the sale.
Why have these changes been made?
The Law Society faced criticism in relation to the previous version of the Property Information Form. Many felt that the form was overly arduous for the seller to complete, with some 32 pages of questions, several of which might be considered repetitive as the answers could be found in materials produced by estate agents in the early stages of the conveyancing process. Due to feedback from solicitors and conveyancers and sellers, the form was withdrawn and an earlier version was reinstated while the Law Society worked on improvements.
Following suit, the Law Society took the opportunity to update the Leasehold Information Form, not only to improve its usability but also to provide certain clarifications on sections relating to the Building Safety Act 2022.
How have the forms changed?
Several sections have been removed from the Property Information Form, including those on Council Tax, asking price, tenure, ownership and charges, physical characteristics of the property, building safety, restrictive covenants, coastal erosion, accessibility and coalfield or mining area.
Both forms have been updated to be more straightforward, with many of the questions now presented in a tick-box style. An optional “not known” answer is more present within the forms, meaning that forced “yes” or “no” answers are no longer a risk where information genuinely may be unknown.
Generally, duplicative content between the forms has also been removed. All these changes aim to make it easier for sellers to provide accurate information earlier on, allowing for a smoother and more transparent conveyancing journey.
Who is responsible for filling in these forms?
It is still the seller’s responsibility to complete these forms rather than their solicitor or conveyancer. This is because the seller is best placed to know the property’s history and day-to-day details. Your solicitor or conveyancer can help explain the questions, but the answers must come from you, as the seller.
How do these updates help me?
The forms should now be more user-friendly, which should reduce stress and the risk of errors. The Law Society has also updated its guidance notes, so sellers can better understand what is being asked and how to answer properly. This should allow buyers a greater feeling of confidence in the information that is provided to them.
Thinking of buying or selling a property?
If you’re thinking about selling your home, or looking to buy, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the new forms and guidance.
Our Residential Property team can help and advise on all aspects of residential property and the conveyancing process.
For further information or legal advice, please contact law@blandy.co.uk or call 0118 951 6800.
This article is intended for the use of clients and other interested parties. The information contained in it is believed to be correct at the date of publication, but it is necessarily of a brief and general nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional advice.
