Material Information: What Sellers Should Disclose When Listing a Property

What Is Material Information & Why It’s Essential When Selling Your Home

Before listing your home, your estate agent will gather essential property details, known as ‘material information.’ This ensures transparency, prevents delays, and helps buyers make informed decisions.

What Is Material Information?

Material information refers to key property details that buyers need before making an offer. According to Trading Standards, it includes facts that could influence a buyer’s decision, helping to avoid surprises that might cause a sale to fall through.

Where Can Buyers Find Material Information?

• Online property listings typically include essential details.
• Estate agents may provide an information sheet before a viewing.
• Updates must be made if new information arises during the sales process.

What Must Be Disclosed?

Material information varies by property, but key disclosures include:

Basic Property Information

✔ Council Tax band or domestic rates
✔ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating
✔ Asking price
✔ Tenure (Freehold, Leasehold, or Shared Ownership)
✔ Property type (Bungalow, Flat, Semi-Detached, etc.)
✔ Construction materials (e.g., Thatched Roof, Timber Windows)
✔ Number & type of rooms

Utilities & Services

✔ Electricity, water supply, & sewerage details (e.g., Solar Panels, Boreholes, Cesspits)
✔ Heating system (Gas Boiler, Heat Pump, Wood Burner, etc.)
✔ Broadband speed & availability
✔ Parking arrangements (On-Street, Driveway, Allocated Space)

Additional Disclosures (If Applicable)

✔ Building safety concerns (Unsafe Cladding, Asbestos)
✔ Legal restrictions (Listed Building Status, Conservation Areas)
✔ Rights & easements (Public Footpaths, Shared Access)
✔ Environmental risks (Flood Zones, Coastal Erosion)
✔ Nearby planning permissions (Future Developments)
✔ Accessibility adaptations (Lifts, Ramps, Widened Doorways)

Why Is Material Information Important?

Providing accurate and complete material information before listing your property:
✅ Saves time by reducing buyer queries and delays
✅ Prevents sales from falling through due to undisclosed issues
✅ Builds trust between buyers and sellers
✅ Speeds up the transaction process

Selling in South Warwickshire? Let’s Get Started!

Thinking about selling your home in Leamington Spa, Southam, Harbury or surrounding areas? Our expert team at Hawthorn and Co is here to guide you every step of the way.

📞 Call us today at 01926 919553 or click here to get started!