Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the matter of fixtures and fittings can lead to serious disputes or even legal action if not handled correctly.
The TA10 Fixtures and Fittings Form is an essential document which safeguards both parties from these consequences; so here’s everything you need to know before filling yours out.
What is a TA10 Fixtures and Fittings Form?
This form is a legally binding document which forms part of the contract of a house sale and prescribes which fixtures and fittings will be included in the sale of the home.
This clears up any confusion between the buyer and seller by removing any doubt about what exactly is included in the house price.
Related: Steps to selling a house (and how to speed them up)
What are fixtures?
Fixtures are items which are ‘fixed’ to the property itself and would be difficult or costly to remove. Unless clearly stated otherwise, most fixtures are included in the sale of a property. Examples include:
- Tiled flooring
- Bathroom suites
- Fitted kitchens
- Electric sockets
- Boilers
- Plumbing
- Solar panels
- Radiators
- Fireplaces
- Doorbells
Related: Everything you need to know about solar panels
What are fittings?
Fittings are much easier to remove as they are not fixed to the property. Unless the seller clearly states otherwise, fittings are usually not included in the sale of a property, but the buyer may try to negotiate for their inclusion. Examples include:
- Sofas
- Beds
- Standalone cabinets
- Shelves
- Loose rugs
- Curtains and blinds
- Tables
- Paintings
- White goods
- Lamps
How to complete the TA10 Form
Your conveyancer should provide you with a TA10 Fixtures and Fittings Form and help you to complete it. The Fixtures and Fittings Form is divided into 11 sections and lists common items that you would expect to find in most homes. This list will be presented in a simple format where you can tick all the appropriate boxes.
If there are items in your home that you are willing to include in the house sale, you can include the price next to it on the TA10 Form. The buyer can then either agree to the price, negotiate, or request that the item is removed from the sale.
Related: Offer accepted – what happens next?
What is included in the TA10 Fixtures and Fittings Form?
As mentioned above, there are 11 sections included in the form. The seller can check if the item is included in the sale or not, as well as whether it is fitted or freestanding, when filling out the form. Declaring if the object is no longer on the property will also be an option.
The Fittings and Fixtures Form is divided into the following sections:
Basic fittings
This covers your home’s boiler and heating system, light switches, sockets, doors, and insulation.
Kitchen
This section covers the entirety of the kitchen area, including appliances such as the oven, fridge, and dishwasher.
Bathroom
This section includes the bath and taps, towel rails, mirrors, shower and fittings, cabinets, and toilet roll holders.
Carpets
In this section, you can select which rooms will contain fitted carpets and whether they will be left in the home.
Curtain and curtain rails
Just like the carpet section, you can select which rooms include curtains, curtain rails, or blinds that will be left in the home.
Light fittings
The light fitting section will ask you to specify if any light fittings will be removed or left behind. If you do remove a light fitting, it must be replaced with a standard bulb, bulb holder, or ceiling rose for health and safety purposes.
Fitted units
The fitted units section refers to any fitted cupboards, wardrobes, or shelves throughout the house.
Outdoor area
Gardens and balconies are included in the outdoor area section, along with any outdoor furniture or sheds, plants, trees, bins, and even clothing lines.
Television and telephone
All televisions and telephones are included in this section, as well as satellite dishes, aerials, and telephone receivers.
Stock of fuel
This section only applies to you if your home contains a fuel-burning appliance, such as a log burner. You must state if you are leaving any fuel behind when you move (i.e. oil or wood).
Other items
The final section allows space for any miscellaneous items that may be unique to the home, or that don’t easily fit into just one of the categories. This gives the seller the option to include anything that the form may not have mentioned.