Material Information Explained for Property Sales

National Trading Standards (NTS) defines material information as any detail the average person needs to make an informed decision about a property. Put simply, it is the information that helps a buyer or tenant decide whether to make an enquiry, book a viewing, or go ahead with buying or renting.

Where this information is known, it should be shared as early as reasonably possible, usually on property portals when the home is first advertised. All details included in a listing must be accurate, honest, and not misleading. Important information should never be hidden, left out, or introduced later in the buying or renting process.

Material information can be either positive or negative. For example, if a property requires the new owner to contribute to a sinking fund for future building works, this must be disclosed upfront. Wherever possible, you should also provide an indication of the costs that may be involved.

Material information does not include personal preferences that vary from person to person, such as wanting to live near a pub or gym. By helping your agent to fully disclose all relevant material information, you can ensure that only buyers or tenants with a genuine interest in your property make enquiries, arrange viewings, or submit offers.

What should be included in a property listing?

National Trading Standards provides separate guidance for property sales and lettings, but in general the minimum information that should be clearly displayed includes:

Asking price or rent
Deposits (Lettings) / Tenure information (sales, including any unavoidable costs such as service charges, ground rent, or estate rent charges)
Council tax band or rates
Physical characteristics of the property
Number and type of rooms
Utilities information
Parking details

Where relevant, listings should also include information relating to:

Building safety issues
Restrictions, rights, or easements
Flooding or coastal erosion risks
Planning permission considerations
Accessibility adaptations
Coal mining or other mining-related issues

You can find the full guidance here: National Trading Standards Material Information. If you would like further advice on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team on 01904 404558. We are always happy to help.