If you’re planning to sell your home, there’s an important shift you need to be aware of.
Estate agents are now legally required to gather and disclose “material information” about your property before it’s listed. Introduced under guidance from the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT), these changes are designed to make the property market more transparent, and to reduce the number of sales that fall through further down the line.
For sellers, it means being more prepared upfront. But done right, it can speed up your sale and attract more committed buyers.
What is “material information”?
Put simply, material information is anything that could influence a buyer’s decision to view your property, make an offer, or proceed with a purchase. Buyers are now given a clearer picture from the outset, minimising the risk of unexpected issues emerging later during conveyancing.
To make things clearer, the requirements are split into three categories: Part A, Part B and Part C.
Part A – The essentials every seller must provide
Before your property even goes live, certain key details must be confirmed. This includes the basics – your asking price, council tax band, and the type of property you’re selling – but also more technical information such as whether it is freehold or leasehold.
If your property is leasehold, you’ll need to provide additional detail early, including the remaining lease length, ground rent and any service charges. These are often the very issues that delay transactions later, so addressing them upfront puts you in a much stronger position.
Part B – The details that shape value
Beyond the basics, buyers now expect a clearer understanding of what they’re getting, and what it might cost them over time. This includes practical information such as utilities and services (heating, drainage, broadband and mobile coverage), as well as parking arrangements.
Legal factors also come into play here. Rights of way, shared access, restrictive covenants and the planning status of a property can all influence a buyer’s decision. Environmental considerations, such as flood risk or contaminated land, must also be disclosed where relevant.
While this might feel like a lot to gather, it ultimately reduces uncertainty for buyers and helps prevent renegotiations later in the process.
Part C – Location-specific factors buyers need to know
Some information depends entirely on where your property is located.
For example, properties in certain areas may be affected by mining activity or subsidence risk. Others may be impacted by planned infrastructure projects such as new transport links or road developments.
If your property is in a coastal or riverside location, erosion or flood risk may also need to be addressed.
These aren’t issues that apply to every property but where they do, they’re essential for buyers to understand from the outset.
Why does this matter for sellers?
Although these requirements are mandatory, they’re ultimately designed to protect your sale. Providing full and accurate information early can:
- Reduce delays during the conveyancing process
- Minimise the risk of buyers withdrawing due to unexpected issues
- Prevent price renegotiations late in the transaction
- Attract more serious, informed buyers from the start
In short, it leads to a smoother, more predictable sale. By gathering the right documents early, you can ensure your property is compliant and ready to market without unnecessary delays.
Thinking of selling?
That’s where we can help. As experienced conveyancing solicitors, we work with sellers from the outset to make sure everything is in place before a property goes live. The result? A more efficient process, fewer surprises, and a better experience for everyone involved with your sale getting the best possible start.
Get in touch with our team to make sure you’re fully prepared.
