Skip to Content

Selling a house, what do I need to declare?

If you are selling a property, it is a legal obligation to give full disclosure of the property to the buyer.

As part of selling a house or flat you must make sure anyone buying is aware of problems with the property that are not obvious before a sale can go ahead, you have an obligation to make the buyer aware of problems they cannot see, for example, if you have rot in timbers in the roof, but you do not have an obligation to make them aware of problems they can see, it is an offence if you try to cover these up.

The law is designed to protect buyers and stipulates that a buyer must be aware of ‘latent defects and encumbrances’

Latent defect – a defect in a property, caused by a fault in design, materials or workmanship, not apparent.

Encumbrances – any claim on the property, mortgage etc


How to disclose information.

You will be required to complete a property information form (TA6 Form) as part of the Conveyancing process, the form is designed to provide full disclosure about the property and should be completed in full, the form covers among others–

• Planning history, and details of any alterations
• Property disputes such as boundary issues
• Insurance and any problems such as flooding
• Defects to the property.

Any false information given will expose the seller to claims from the buyer in the future, which may not be limited to the cost of repair.

The property information form is part of the pre-contract documents submitted to the buyer by your solicitor.


In the event of a claim.

The contract of sale should allow for buyers to make a claim against the seller if there is material difference between the property as offered for sale and the actual condition of the property, the buyer will be able to claim through the courts, if it is found that the seller has given false information the sale can be void.

It is important that the seller gives full disclosure on the property information form, insurances are also available for some properties to protect sellers from any future claim and you should discuss this with your solicitor.

Time limits apply to any claims.

Selling a house in ##LOCATION##, what do I need to declare?
Image Description
related news
recent articles
Flying Freehold

What is a Flying Freehold and should it matter?..

link

Lifetime Mortgage.

Mortgages for life, may soon be an option...

Understand Conveyancing Quotes

When you look for a conveyancing solicitor to act for you we recommend that you contact a few to compare price, obviously price is not the only factor you look..

Choosing the right mortgage rate.

Fixed Rates and Discounted Rates on a Mortgage - One of the decisions you will make concerning your property, is what type of Mortgage you should choose, short..

Government to introduce New Homes Ombudsman

The government announces a New Homes Ombudsman to protect consume..

link

Will property conveyancing change.

The Government push to improve conveyancing...

Government to introduce New Homes Ombudsman

The government announces a New Homes Ombudsman to protect consumer right...

Flying Freehold

What is a Flying Freehold and should it matter?..

Selling a house, what do I need to declare?

As part of selling a house or flat in England and Wales you must..

link

Help to buy ISAs

Help to buy ISAs - The new, 'Help to buy', ISA is designed to help first time buyers save for a deposit for their first home, with the inducement of an extra 25..

Appointing a Solicitor

Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...

Leasehold v Freehold.

The biggest difference is whether you own your home or you have a landlord, on a freehold property you own your home, with a leasehold property you will have a..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top