Am I required, as a UK estate agent, to disclose whether someone has died at a property?
Information on deaths at a property was not outlined in the National Trading Standards Material Information requirements and Moverly does not therefore require it as part of its Material Information collection process.
Here's some further guidance:
In the UK, there is no legal requirement for estate agents to disclose if someone has died in a property. However, estate agents are bound by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, which require them to provide any Material Information that could affect a buyer's decision.
While a death in the property might not be legally required to be disclosed, it could be considered Material Information if it is likely to influence the potential buyer's decision. Therefore, it is often advisable for estate agents to be transparent about such facts to avoid any potential disputes or claims of misrepresentation later on.
Ultimately, the best practice would be to inform the potential buyer if they ask directly, as withholding such information could be seen as misleading.
Disclaimer - this article is intended as a helpful guide and is not intended as legal advice. Agents should consult their lawyers for further advice on their responsibilities under the CPRs.