Summary of Compliance Requirements for UK Estate Agents

This document provides a very brief summarized outline of the main compliance requirements for UK estate agents, as detailed in the ‘Material Information in Property Listings (Sales) v1.0’. The requirements are now in force, from November 2023 and as such estate agents should now ensure that marketing details and information provided in compliance with these requirements.  This article is provided for guidance purposes only and is not intended to be used to based decisions, you should refer to the actual guidance document or a suitably qualified legal practitioner to ensure you are fully informed in respect of all matters arising or pertaining to these requirements.

Part A: Essential Material Information

• Council Tax band or Domestic Rate information
  
  Council Tax band or Domestic Rate information: Essential for every property listing. Agents should verify the current Council Tax band or Domestic Rates and update listings if changes occur due to major property works or other reasons.
• Asking priceAsking price: Must be listed as a numerical amount and reflect the market value. Include any additional financial liabilities, like reservation fees or communal area contributions, if applicable.
• TenureTenure: Specify whether the property is freehold, leasehold, shared ownership, commonhold, or non-traditional. Include details like maintenance responsibilities and any fees for freehold with common areas.

Part B: General Material Information

• Physical characteristics of the propertyWhere non-standard property types are used then additional information should be given in free text format. If the property forms part of a taller building (e.g., an apartment in a block of flats) the floor on which the property is located should be stated. Details should also be given if the property is located over a commercial premises as this may impact mortgage availability.
• Number and type(s) of roomPhysical characteristics of the property: Include accurate description of the property type, and if it’s part of a larger building, specify the floor and if it’s over commercial premises.
• UtilitiesNumber and type(s) of room: List each room with size and intended/current use, including any limitations due to room shape or building regulations.
• ParkingUtilities: Detail the nature of electricity, water, and heating supply, including any unique features like solar panels or non-mains supplies.

Part C: Conditional Material Information

• Building safety
• Parking
• Restrictions and rights
• Flood and erosion risk
• Planning permission and proposals for development
• Property accessibility and adaptations
• Coalfield or mining area

Note: This summary is based on the ‘Material Information in Property Listings (Sales) v1.0’ document. Estate agents are advised to refer to the full document for comprehensive details.

CONCLUSION

The penalties for non-compliance by estate agents with the requirements outlined in the “Material Information in Property Listings (Sales)” document are not explicitly detailed within the document itself. However, it is mentioned that the guidance is an application of the law as interpreted by the National Trading Standards Estate and Lettings Agency Team. This interpretation is based on the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations introduced in 2008, which mandates all businesses in the UK not to omit or hide information material to a consumer’s transactional decision​​.

Under these regulations, estate agents have a legal duty to provide accurate and comprehensive information in their property listings. Non-compliance could potentially result in legal action under consumer protection laws, but the specific penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the non-compliance and would be determined by a court of law.

We provide a copy of the document HERE.  However you should ensure that this is the latest version applicable as this article was written on 1st December 2023 and things can change over time.

Castle Surveyors Limited are a firm of Chartered Surveyors who carry out residential and commercial property instructions for clients across the UK, focussing on New Forest, Dorset, Hampshire, Southampton, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Romsey, Verwood, Ringwood, Lymington, New Milton, Highcliffe on Sea, New Milton, Brockenhurst, Ferndown, Poole, Sandbanks