What Estate Agents Must Legally Tell You About a Property

What Estate Agents Must Legally Tell You About a Property

 

Buying a home? It’s exciting, it’s emotional, and yes, it can feel overwhelming. We get it. At the end of the day, this isn’t just a transaction; it’s your future.

 

As estate agents, it’s our job to help guide you through the process honestly, clearly, and professionally. We’re here to give you as much accurate, relevant information as possible so you can make decisions you feel confident about.

 

And because we live here too, your town is our town and we know that transparency and trust aren’t just buzzwords. You’ll see us at the shops, local pub, and high street and we want you to be happy in your new home, not dodging us in the dairy aisle because something was kept from you during the sale!.

 

So, let’s set the record straight on what we’re legally required to tell you, what we might not know (and why that’s okay), and how we go above and beyond to keep things clear, fair, and professional for everyone.

 

What Is Material Information (and Why It Matters)?

 

Material information is anything a typical buyer would need to know before making a decision to view, offer, or buy a property. That’s not just our opinion—it’s the legal definition provided by the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT).

 

Under the law, we must include this information upfront—in the property listing, on portals, in brochures. No last-minute reveals. No surprises at contract stage. If it’s relevant and we know it, we tell you.

 

Here’s What We’re Legally Required to Share in Property Listings

 

✅ Category A: Must-Haves for Every Property

 

• Asking price – We’re not fans of “POA” (Price on Application). You’ll always see the actual price.
• Tenure – Whether it’s freehold, leasehold, or shared ownership.
• Council Tax band – So you can get a feel for ongoing costs.

 

✅ Category B: When Relevant to the Property

 

• Property type and construction – Flat, detached, timber-framed, etc.
• Number, size, and layout of rooms – Backed by real measurements and a floorplan.
• Utilities – Gas or electric heating? Mains water or private supply?
• Broadband and mobile signal – Especially if it’s limited.
• Parking – On-street? Driveway? Permit needed? We’ll clarify.

 

✅ Category C: Specific to Certain Properties

 

• Building safety concerns – Including cladding, structural risks.
• Legal rights and restrictions – Listed buildings, conservation areas, public rights of way.
• Flood risk or coastal erosion – We disclose it when we know it.
• Planning permissions or local developments – If formal approval has been granted.
• Accessibility features – Like step-free access or adapted facilities.
• Coalfield or mining area status – Especially if it could impact your mortgage or insurance.

 

Rightmove, Zoopla and On The Market all display required material information on listings. 

 

Material information about utilities, rights and restrictions

 

Material information about council tax, parking, garden and EPC.

 

Material information about the property type, number of bedrooms, bathrooms and size and tenure. Also displaying floorplans, videos, images and even walk-through tours.

 

❗ What We May Not Know (And Why That’s Okay)

 

Sometimes, we’re asked things like, “Is next door an Airbnb?” or “Are the neighbours nice?” And the truth is—we might not know.

 

Why? Because unless the seller discloses it or it appears in public records, there’s no legal obligation for that information to be provided. If it’s not material information and it hasn’t been shared with us, we won’t have it.

 

But let’s be clear: not knowing something isn’t the same as hiding something.

 

For example, if the seller doesn’t know their neighbour rents the property out as a holiday let, and we haven’t been told, that’s perfectly legal—and understandable. It’s not something we’re required to find out, and that’s okay.

 

That said, if you ask us a question and we don’t know the answer—we’ll always do our best to find it out. We’re always happy to help.

 

We Go Beyond the Legal Minimum—Because That’s Who We Are

 

Yes, the law sets the baseline but our standards go way above that. We do more than we’re legally required to, because we believe buyers deserve honesty and clarity.

 

Here’s how we go the extra mile:

 

• We ask every seller to complete a detailed Property Information Form
• We provide photos, floorplans, videos, and virtual walk-throughs to give you a real feel for the property
• We include all known material information in listings—upfront, not after you’ve fallen in love with the garden

 

Because here’s the thing: our sellers want to sell, and we only get paid when they do so It’s in everyone’s best interest to get it right, and be transparent. And we genuinely want you to love where you live because when that happens, everyone wins.

 

Want a Second Viewing? Please Do. 

 

We encourage multiple viewings. We want you to feel confident about every decision.

 

Come back at a different time of day. Bring your partner. Bring your builder. We’re here for it.

 

But—please don’t bring pets. They won’t be allowed inside. This is still someone’s home, and the seller may have allergies or just prefer no animals in the space. We ask that you respect their wishes.

 

We Live Here Too—So We Do Things Properly

 

This part matters.

 

We don’t operate in a bubble. We live here. We’re part of the same local community. That means our reputation matters more than a single sale.

 

We want you to feel great about the home you’re buying, not just today, but years from now. Because when we see you at the coffee shop, the school fair, or walking your dog (at your new place!), we want to know you’re smiling, not regretting a rushed decision.

 

So if there’s anything you want to know, just ask. If we know the answer, we’ll tell you. If we don’t, we’ll explain why, and try to find out.

 

That’s what we’d want if we were in your shoes. And it’s how we choose to do business.

 

 

FAQs

 

What if something isn’t mentioned in the listing?

 

Ask us! If we know it, we’ll tell you. If it’s legally required and missing, we’ll chase it down. If it’s not required and we don’t have it, we’ll explain why.

 

Do you know what the neighbours are like?

 

Unless there’s a formal dispute disclosed in the TA6, probably not. And that’s okay—it’s private, and not part of our role. We are lucky that all our vendors have told us their neighbours are lovely but its down to personal opinion and not something we can comment on.

 

Will you tell me if next door is an Airbnb?

 

Not unless the seller has told us this information, and remember, the seller may not know themselves. It’s not required material information and an AirBnB is just a short term rental property.

 

Can I bring pets to a viewing?

 

No. Please don’t. Out of respect for the seller’s home and preferences, animals aren’t allowed at viewings

 

Will you give me legal or structural advice?

 

No, but we’ll try our best to help you always and we’ll point you in the right direction. That’s your conveyancer’s and surveyor’s job. We’ll provide all the information we can to support them.