What information does a seller have to disclose to a buyer?
Whilst any seller will want their property to be seen in its best light, they have an obligation to disclose anything that would materially affect a buyer’s decision to buy their property. So, what needs to be disclosed?
Seller Disclosure: What Buyers Need to Know
For most buyers, a property viewing shows a home at its best — tidy, staged, and spotless. But viewings alone don’t provide the full picture. Buyers rely on additional information before deciding whether to make an offer.
📝 Property Information Questionnaires
Before marketing begins, sellers complete a Property Information Questionnaire. While the format can vary between agents, it should always cover essential details about the home. Agents review this form to make sure marketing details are accurate and that buyers are properly informed.
If a seller doesn’t know an answer, that’s okay — but the more information provided, the smoother the process will be.
⚖️ Why it matters
The questionnaire isn’t just a formality. The information is passed to both parties’ conveyancers and forms part of the contract of sale. Accuracy and honesty are key.
📋 Typical disclosure details include:
- General property info (address, tenure, parking)
- Disputes or complaints
- Alterations or extensions
- Local notices or planning applications
- Damp, rot, or other specialist issues
- Utilities and insurance
- Boundaries and access
- Rights of way, flooding history, or crime reports
🔍 Examples of disclosures might be:
- Roof leaks or faulty windows
- Knowledge of nearby developments
- Past flooding or environmental risks
- Presence of asbestos, mould, or lead paint
- Structural cracks or foundation issues
- Plumbing/electrical faults
- Noise complaints, crime, or neighbourhood disputes
- Infestations or wildlife problems
- DIY renovations
- Property line disagreements
👉 Ultimately, anything that could impact a buyer’s decision, health, or safety should be disclosed. Transparency protects both buyer and seller, reducing the risk of disputes later.
We are here and ready to help in any way we can. 🧑💼
☎️ Call: 01474 321957
📧 Email: richard@mandmprop.co.uk