What Sellers Must Disclose When Selling a Property in the UK (2026 Guide)

In 2026, this has become even more important. Buyers are more informed, regulations are tightening, and failure to disclose key information can lead to delayed sales, renegotiations, or even legal claims after completion.

This guide explains exactly what sellers must disclose, why it matters, and how getting it right can protect both your sale and your final price.

Why Disclosure Matters More Than Ever

Property transactions are built on transparency. Buyers rely on the information provided to make decisions, secure mortgages, and complete legal checks.

In recent years:

• A growing number of transactions are delayed due to missing or incorrect information
• Buyers are increasingly renegotiating after surveys uncover undisclosed issues
• Legal disputes after completion are becoming more common where information was withheld

In practical terms, this means what you disclose—and how accurately you disclose it—can directly impact your sale outcome.

For a full overview of the selling process, see property sale process from start to finish.

The Key Legal Document: Property Information Form (TA6)

The main way sellers disclose information is through the TA6 Property Information Form.

This document covers:

• Property boundaries
• Disputes and complaints
• Alterations and planning permission
• Guarantees and warranties
• Environmental matters (flooding, subsidence)

The TA6 is legally binding. Providing incorrect or misleading information can result in serious consequences.

Understanding the legal process is essential—see understanding the legal process of buying property.

What Sellers Must Disclose (In Detail)

1. Structural Issues and Property Condition

Sellers must disclose known structural issues, including:

• Subsidence or structural movement
• Roof problems or leaks
• Damp or mould issues
• Past repairs or insurance claims

Example:

If a property has previously suffered subsidence and underpinning work was carried out, this must be declared—even if the issue has been resolved.

Failing to disclose this could result in a buyer withdrawing or renegotiating after a survey.

See house survey guidance for how buyers identify these issues.

2. Disputes with Neighbours

Any disputes—past or present—must be disclosed.

• Boundary disagreements
• Noise complaints
• Shared access issues

Even minor disputes can influence buyer decisions.

Example:

A long-running parking dispute with a neighbour must be declared, even if it seems resolved.

3. Planning Permission and Building Work

If you have made alterations to the property, you must disclose:

• Planning permission approvals
• Building regulation compliance
• Certificates for work carried out

Example:

A loft conversion without building regulation approval can cause delays or mortgage issues.

For improvement strategies, see enhancing property value before sale.

4. Flood Risk and Environmental Issues

Sellers must disclose known environmental risks, including:

• Flooding history
• Drainage issues
• Nearby environmental concerns

Example:

If a property has previously flooded—even once—it must be declared.

These issues can significantly affect both value and insurability.

5. Guarantees, Warranties, and Certificates

Sellers must provide details of any guarantees, such as:

• Damp proofing
• Double glazing installations
• Boiler installations

Providing documentation helps reassure buyers and can speed up the sale.

6. Fixtures and Fittings (TA10 Form)

The TA10 form outlines what is included in the sale.

• Kitchen appliances
• Light fittings
• Flooring and carpets

Misunderstandings here are a common cause of disputes after completion.

See post-completion disputes.

Material Information: A Growing Requirement

In 2026, “material information” is becoming a major focus.

This includes anything that could influence a buyer’s decision, such as:

• Service charges and leasehold details
• Restrictions on property use
• Accessibility issues

Estate agents are now required to ensure this information is disclosed early in the process.

For more detail, see material information requirements.

What Happens If You Don’t Disclose?

Failure to disclose can have serious consequences:

• Sale delays: issues discovered during conveyancing
• Price renegotiation: buyers reduce offers after surveys
• Collapsed sales: buyers withdraw completely
• Legal action: post-sale claims for misrepresentation

Example:

If a seller fails to disclose a known leak and the buyer discovers it after completion, they may be able to claim compensation.

This is why honesty is not just ethical—it is essential.

How Disclosure Impacts Sale Speed and Price

Accurate disclosure can actually improve outcomes:

• Reduces delays during conveyancing
• Builds buyer trust
• Minimises renegotiation risk

Properties with clear, transparent information often progress more smoothly.

For selling strategies, see top tips to sell your property and exchange and completion guide.

Local Insight: Why Disclosure Matters in Competitive Markets

In competitive markets, transparency becomes even more important.

For example:

• Preston sees strong buyer demand, meaning well-prepared listings perform better
• Lancaster benefits from consistent interest, but buyers are highly informed
• Blackpool can attract investors who scrutinise property details closely
• Morecambe is influenced by regeneration, making accurate disclosure essential

Secondary areas such as Chorley, Ormskirk, Fulwood, Garstang, and St Annes each have different buyer expectations—but all require transparency.

Transparency Protects Your Sale

In 2026, property disclosure is not just a legal requirement—it is a strategic advantage.

Sellers who provide clear, accurate information:

• Reduce delays
• Build buyer confidence
• Protect their final sale price

Those who do not risk losing both time and money.

Getting disclosure right from the start is one of the most important steps in achieving a successful property sale.

About the Author

Laura Gittins is the PR & Marketing Manager at Farrell Heyworth, specialising in market commentary, regional housing insights and consumer guidance. Laura works closely with internal teams and industry partners to deliver trusted updates on the North West property market. Connect with her on LinkedIn.