What information must sellers disclose to buyers?
When you are selling your home in Plymouth, honesty really is the best policy. At Smeaton Homes, we believe in a "just like you would expect, but a bit different" approach, which means we cut through the snooty legal talk and give you the plain English facts.
In the UK, the old rule of "buyer beware" has changed. You now have a legal and moral duty to disclose "material information" that might influence a buyer's decision. Being upfront from the start prevents your sale from falling through later on and keeps the whole journey positive.
The Full List of Essential Disclosures
To stay ahead of the curve and keep your move efficient, you should be ready to share the following details through the standard property information forms:
- The TA6 Property Information Form: This is a comprehensive document covering boundaries, disputes, and any notices from the local council.
- Building Work and Alterations: If you have replaced windows, added an extension, or converted the loft, you must provide the planning permissions and building regulations certificates.
- Disputes and Complaints: You must disclose any ongoing rows with neighbours, such as disputes over boundary lines, shared driveways, or noise complaints.
- Structural Issues and Damp: If you are aware of subsidence, dry rot, or a patch of damp, you cannot hide it. It is much better to be down to earth about it now than have it pop up in a survey later.
- Environmental Factors: This includes knowing if the property is at risk of flooding or if there is Japanese Knotweed present in the garden or nearby.
- Fixtures and Fittings (TA10): You must be clear about what is included in the sale. Disputes over garden sheds, curtain poles, or light fittings can ruin a completion day, so plain English is key here.
- Council Tax and Utilities: Buyers need to know the council tax band and which companies provide the water, gas, and electricity.
- Sewerage and Rights of Way: You must disclose if the property is not on mains drainage or if there are any public footpaths or shared access ways across your land.
- Parking Arrangements: You need to be clear about whether the property has a garage, a driveway, or if it relies on on-street parking or a specific permit.
- Leasehold Information: If the property is a flat or a leasehold house, you must disclose the remaining lease length, ground rent, and service charges.
- Infestations: You must disclose if the property has had issues with pests, such as woodworm, rats, or mice, as well as any treatments you have carried out to fix the problem.
Why Transparency Matters
We are community focused and proud of the house stories we help create. Hiding information often leads to stress, delays, and even legal action after the sale. By being a landmark of honesty, you build trust with your buyer, making the path to those new keys much smoother.