Many factors impact the value of your property.
One of these things is the household items included in the sale.
A fixtures and fittings form gives sellers and buyers clarity on this.
Read on to learn more about it.
What are fixtures and fittings?
A fixture is something that’s attached to the structure of a property. Examples include
- Boilers
- Tiling
- Windows
- Toilets.
A fitting is an item that is not attached to the property. This includes:
- Curtains
- Lamps
- Freestanding goods (such as a fridge)
- Furniture.
What is a fixtures and fittings form?
A fixtures and fittings form (or TA10 form) is a document filled out by sellers shortly before a house sale.
It gives details about everything included and not included in the sale. It’s binding and its goal is to give clarity to both parties.
Alongside each item, there’s a section where the seller can list a price for the buyer.
So, the form can trigger negotiations over these items. In turn, this may result in the selling price changing.
Different categories of a fixtures and fittings form
A fixtures and fittings form has quite a few different sections. This ensures a higher likelihood of it being accurate.
You should get support from a solicitor as you complete this form, to make sure you do it correctly.
Basic fittings
Lots of things fall under this category. Insulation or light sockets are great examples. The heating system in your house is another.
Kitchen
Your fridge, washing machine, microwave and dishwasher are categorised as white goods.
Bathroom
Your bath, shower curtains, mirrors or towel rack are just a few examples.
Carpets, curtains and curtain rails
Most properties have fitting carpets, meaning that you won’t be taking these with you. But that isn’t always the case!
Whether you take your current curtains may depend on your new house’s décor. After all, they may not match the new places’ interior.
Light fittings
Will any of your lighting fittings be removed, or do you plan to leave them all behind? Make sure to give your buyer clarity about this.
Fitted units
Cupboards in your kitchen are an excellent example. Along with the island at the centre of your kitchen, if you’ve got one.
Outdoor area
Any number of things might apply in this section. Garden chairs and a trampoline are common examples. A moveable greenhouse or plants should also be covered.
It’s possible to repot a plant, so if there’s one you particularly like, you may be able to take it with you.
Television and telephone infrastructure
TV aerials and satellite dishes are the two main examples.
Without these things, your buyer will need to invest in new ones, to get their television working.
Stock of fuel
This may seem like a surprising one, but in rare cases, it can apply! It refers to any wood, oil, or LPG that’s in the property.
Other items
Is there something you want to include, which hasn’t been covered in the other sections? This is the place to put it.
Are fixtures and fittings forms compulsory?
Yes, this is a legal requirement when you sell your house. It gives clarity to both parties.
The goal is to avoid misunderstandings and arguments.
Can I refuse to accept something included in the fixtures and fittings form?
Yes, you have the right to do this. It will be part of your negotiations with the seller.
If they’re leaving you something that you don’t want, you could threaten to reduce your offer. This might force them to take it, or pull out altogether. However, this latter scenario is rare.
The form becomes binding once you’ve exchanged contracts. But up until then, you can continue to negotiate with the seller.
Likewise, if you want something included which isn’t, then you can negotiate on this too. Be prepared to increase your offer. And the seller also has the right to say no.
Can I renegotiate price after seeing the fixtures and fittings form?
Yes, you can. Your offer on the house is not binding until contracts exchange.
So, you can renegotiate if you’re unhappy with the contents. Your seller has the legal right to say no, so keep that in mind.
For example, perhaps you wanted something included, but the seller is saying no. This may prompt you to reduce your offer.
And if you want something removed, but the seller is refusing, then you could reduce your offer as well.
When seller complete the form, they’ll give a price valuation beside key items. This acts as the basis for negotiation.
It indicates to the buyer what the homeowner is willing to sell these belongings for.
How long does a fixtures and fittings form take to complete?
Once you’ve made your decisions about all the items, you can complete the form within 24 hours.
While it’s quite long, it’s not complicated.
You simply need to get clarity on your decision first. And if you’re willing to negotiate on an item, set a clear value for it.
At what point do you receive a fixtures and fittings form?
The buyer should receive the form near the beginning of the conveyancing process. It should give clarity about what’s included in the sale.
This gives the buyer time to agree, or negotiate, before the buying price becomes binding.
