Avoid mistakes when selling your home – make sure all property details are accurate

Avoid mistakes when selling your home – make sure all property details are accurate

When you decide to sell your home, accuracy is everything. Even small errors or omissions in your property details can lead to delays, disputes, or financial claims after the sale. Many sellers underestimate how important it is to check every fact and figure before listing their property – but taking the time to get it right from the start can save you a great deal of trouble later. Here’s how to ensure your property information is complete, correct, and compliant with UK regulations.
Why accurate information matters
When a property is marketed, the details provided form the basis of the buyer’s decision. If it later turns out that something was wrong – for example, the floor area was overstated, planning permission was missing, or a boundary was incorrectly described – the buyer may be entitled to compensation or could even withdraw from the purchase.
Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs), sellers and estate agents must not withhold or misrepresent material information that could affect a buyer’s decision. This means you have a duty to disclose anything you know that might influence the sale – from structural issues to disputes with neighbours. The more transparent and well-documented your information is, the lower your risk of problems later.
Check all documents carefully
Before your property goes on the market, review every document that describes it. Work closely with your estate agent and solicitor to ensure everything is accurate and up to date. Key documents include:
- Title deeds and Land Registry records – confirm ownership details, boundaries, and any rights of way or restrictions.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – make sure it’s valid and reflects the current condition of the property.
- Planning permissions and Building Regulations certificates – ensure all extensions, conversions, or alterations were properly approved and signed off.
- Property Information Form (TA6) and Fittings and Contents Form (TA10) – complete these honestly and thoroughly, as they form part of the contract pack.
If you find any inconsistencies, correct them before marketing begins. It’s far easier to fix errors early than to explain them once a buyer has made an offer.
Be open about defects and issues
It can be tempting to gloss over problems to make your home more appealing, but this can backfire badly. If a buyer later discovers an issue you knew about but failed to disclose – such as damp, subsidence, or a history of flooding – you could face legal action.
Be upfront about any known defects or past repairs. Has the roof ever leaked? Are there cracks in the walls? Have you had disputes over boundaries or shared access? Providing full and honest information builds trust and helps prevent future claims.
Make sure all alterations are legal
One of the most common issues in UK property sales is unapproved building work. A loft conversion, conservatory, or garage conversion without the right permissions can cause major problems for buyers and may even reduce your property’s value.
Check that all alterations have the necessary planning permission and Building Regulations approval. If you’re missing paperwork, contact your local council or building control department to resolve it before selling. Buyers are far more confident when they see that everything is properly documented.
Work closely with your estate agent and solicitor
A good estate agent will help you present your property accurately and ensure that all marketing materials comply with the law. However, the ultimate responsibility for the truthfulness of the information lies with you as the seller.
Provide your agent with all relevant documents and be open about any issues. Your solicitor can also help you identify potential red flags and ensure that your contract pack is complete. Clear communication between all parties is key to a smooth and transparent sale.
Preparation pays off
Taking the time to check every detail, gather the right documents, and disclose all relevant information may seem tedious, but it’s an investment in a secure and stress-free sale. Buyers appreciate honesty and clarity, and you’ll reduce the risk of disputes or delays.
When everything is in order, you can move forward with confidence – knowing that your sale is built on accuracy, transparency, and trust.











