It is crucial that you are completely honest about any issues with a property you’re selling.
Not only do you have a moral obligation to do so, but you could face legal repercussions too. Your honesty can make or break a deal.
In the blog below, we’ve outlined the main items you must reveal when selling a house (in the UK).
1. Disputes with neighbours
Inform buyers of any ongoing or unresolved disputes you have had with neighbours.
This includes complaints against or by you about noise. Other examples include:
- Boundary disputes
- Access issues
- Other neighbourhood conflicts.
It’s not only major disputes you must disclose.
You should flag even minor spats, such as ones about:
- Parking
- Fences
- Trees.
Buyers have a right to know they might be entering a hostile environment.
Failure to disclose such disputes can lead to lawsuits, so it’s crucial to be transparent.
2. Structural issues
Include information on structural problems, no matter how minor.
This includes cracks in walls, sloping floors, damp patches, or any other signs that state underlying defects.
You should highlight cracks in the foundation, walls or ceilings. You should also state water damage.
Use your TA6 form to list any signs of subsidence, flooded basements, cracked cement, or other flaws.
Faulty foundations, sagging roofs, and other structural weaknesses can cost thousands. Buyers deserve full disclosure.
Let them decide if they are willing to take on repairs. It is against the law to fail to reveal dangerous issues like asbestos.
3. Pests
You will need to disclose infestations of any kind – mice, rats, squirrels, and insects, amongst other things.
Failure to disclose such infestations can lead to legal issues, and it can also reduce the property’s value.
Make buyers aware if you experience flea outbreaks, ant infestations, or bee swarms. You should also state cockroaches or other pest problems.
Rodent droppings and damage caused by animals should also be detailed. New owners do not want to discover they are sharing their home with unwelcome pests.
Inform buyers of any professional pest control or fumigation that has taken place. This will reassure them that the problem is sorted. It can also stop your property’s value from falling.
4. Property boundaries
You should always provide details of property boundaries. This includes any disputes or confusion over where lines are.
Inform buyers if you altered or moved fences, garages, gardens or outbuildings that may impact boundaries. Let them know if you received approval from the council for any changes.
Disclose disputes with neighbours over shared driveways, overlapping gardens, or encroaching buildings.
Providing a land registry plan and a recent survey can help buyers understand boundaries.
Be transparent about areas of uncertainty around the edges of your property.
Clear and open communication about property boundaries is key. It builds trust with potential buyers.
5. Harmful plants
You must disclose the presence of dangerous weeds like Japanese Knotweed and any other destructive plant issues.
For example, you should explain if you have discovered any signs of Japanese Knotweed. Also disclose giant hogweed or other rapid-spreading flora.
Outline removal or treatment efforts if professionals have been brought in. Provide paperwork like agreements, contracts and waste receipts.
Other things to reveal include cracks in walls from expansive roots, toxic plants, or fast-growing hedges.
Buyers need to know if their garden has harmful plants in it, as well as any preventative measures.
If you show that you have been proactive about the problem, your property’s value might not fall too much.
6. Flooding history
Detail any flooding incidents in the home or surrounding area to buyers. You should disclose details such as:
- Dates
- Damage caused
- Which rooms or structures were affected.
List any repeat flooding and discuss preventative measures. Examples include drainage solutions or installed flood defences. Provide any professional flood risk assessments.
Buyers can judge for themselves if flooding could be an issue. Also, reveal any troubles obtaining insurance due to flood risk.
Don’t conceal past water damage that could suggest ongoing risks.
7. Nearby developments or construction work
Make buyers aware of any construction projects near the property, including details of upcoming:
- New housing estates
- Office blocks
- Roads
- Railways
- Industrial buildings.
Outline the scale and timeline of projects and highlight potential impacts, including:
- Noise
- Blocked views
- Increased traffic
- Added pollution.
List any objections you have raised.
Buyers should go in informed about imminent changes to the surrounding area. Be transparent about any disruptive impacts they may experience.
8. Guarantees and warranties
You should provide details of any remaining guarantees or warranties.
This could be on the property’s fixtures, appliances, and services. This may include cover for:
- Boiler servicing
- Damp-proofing systems
- Window frames
- Kitchen appliances
Provide documents that outline the cover length and terms so buyers can continue coverage if they wish to.
If you have made certain guarantees to neighbours, like tree height trimming, detail these obligations too.
If possible, you should list any transferrable contracts. Examples include cleaning and garden maintenance.
9. Building insurance details
You should hand over current building insurance documents when selling.
This provides buyers with valuable details like claims history, policy terms and cover value.
This may help them secure their own insurance in the future.
List any claims you have made for incidents (floods, fires, storm damage, etc.) This makes buyers aware of past issues. If you have struggled to get building cover, explain why.
Providing details up-front prevents gaps in insurance when buyers take over, which lenders will need.
For more support, speak to a conveyancer or an insurance expert. They can provide some guidance.
10. Building work on your property
You are responsible for outlining any conversions, extensions, or major renovations made to the property. You should also reveal relevant permissions and approvals granted.
List all the work completed, such as:
- Loft conversions
- Kitchen expansions
- Dormer additions
- Garage conversions
- Conservatories
Disclose sign-off on planning permission and building regulations. This should come with any supporting paperwork.
Building work done without approval could spell trouble, so be transparent.
Disclose smaller jobs like removing walls or installing Velux windows. Buyers can verify this.
What happens if you lie on a TA6 form?
You must fill out the TA6 property information form. This document requires you to disclose problems and changes.
If you lie or omit important details on the TA6 form, the consequences can be severe.
Buyers may sue you years after the event. Past owners may be taken to court for false claims about issues like dampness, roof repairs, rewiring and drainage.
You should declare all the following:
- Alterations
- Planning permissions
- Disputes
- Flooding
- Structural problems
- Other defects
If you need support with filling out a TA6 form, speak to a conveyancer or solicitor who can help you with this.
