Before you list your home, be prepared for your estate agent to go on a fact-finding mission. 

They’ll ask you lots of questions about your property because they’re following industry best practice by compiling what’s known as ‘material information’. 

This is defined as “information which the average consumer needs, according to the context, to make an informed transactional decision”.* 

In other words, material information saves everyone time by letting buyers know as much as possible about a property from the outset. 

It helps prevent a buyer from getting cold feet and pulling out of a sale because new information has come to light. It also helps build trust between buyer and seller. 

Where to find material information 

You’ll find material information included in a property’s online listing. Agents also often provide an information sheet containing this information before a viewing. 

Trading Standards states that material information must be accurate and not set out to pull the wool over a buyer’s eyes.  

If new details become available at any stage, an agent should update the material information in a timely manner.  

What’s included in material information 

Here’s a guide (albeit not an exhaustive list) as to what should be included in all property listings. 
 

Other relevant information 

There’s another category of information that should be included, but only if it’s relevant to the property in question. This includes: 

Be prepared 

When you decide to sell your home, it’s helpful to get together any information or documents you have that are relevant to the property, including the title deeds (so that an agent can check if you have the right to sell the property).  

This will save everyone time and help your property get to market sooner. 

If you’d like a free property valuation, contact us here at NAME today. 

* Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008