When it comes to purchasing property, estate agent transparency should be at the top of your priority list.
This article is your essential guide to ensuring you receive all the information before making one of life’s biggest investments. We’ll show you exactly how to verify that your estate agent isn’t holding back important details, what questions to ask for complete disclosure, and how to spot when you’re not getting the full picture.
By understanding what estate agents are legally required to tell you and how to effectively request documentation, you’ll be empowered to make truly informed decisions about your property purchase.
Let’s be honest: buying a property is exciting, but it also comes with a big question mark – “Am I getting the full picture here?”
It’s a fair question, and one you should absolutely be asking. The good news is that estate agents have a legal duty to disclose certain information. The bad news? Not all agents are as thorough or upfront as they should be.
Here’s how to check you’re being told everything that matters, and how we do things differently at Brookings.
1. Know what they’re legally required to tell you
By law, estate agents must disclose what’s known as material information. That means anything that could affect your decision to buy the property, and it’s not just about the house itself.
- This includes things like:
- Planning issues
- Boundary disputes
- Flood risks
- Major works needed
- Restrictions in the lease (if it’s leasehold)
- Even things like nearby developments that might impact the property
At Brookings, we take this seriously. That’s why we use comprehensive seller questionnaires and collect all the key info upfront, not halfway through the process.
2. Ask for specifics, not vague reassurances
If you ask, “Is there anything I should know?”, and get a casual “No, it’s all straightforward,” — that’s not enough.
Instead, ask:
- Have there been any disputes with neighbours?
- Is there anything unusual in the lease or title?
- Have any offers fallen through, and why?
The way the agent answers tells you a lot. A good agent won’t dodge the question. At Brookings, we’re happy to go into the details because we’d rather you know everything now than deal with headaches later.
3. Look for paperwork, not promises
If something sounds too good to be true, ask to see it in writing. That could be a damp guarantee, planning approval, or confirmation that a boiler was recently serviced. Verbal reassurances are nice, but paperwork is what protects you.
We always aim to supply documentation early so you don’t end up chasing it down weeks into the process.
You have a right to ask questions and get proper answers. If an agent isn’t being upfront, that’s a red flag. You deserve transparency from the start, not just when it’s convenient. At Brookings, it’s our job to make sure you’re fully informed, not just to sell you a property. That means clear, complete, and honest communication all the way through.
Property buying doesn’t need to feel like navigating through fog. By focusing on estate agent transparency and asking the questions above, you will know your legal rights. By requesting proper documentation, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises after purchase.
Remember that a reputable estate agent should welcome your questions and provide honest answers without hesitation. At Brookings, we believe that transparent communication is the foundation of successful property transactions, which is why we prioritise full disclosure from the very beginning.
When you’re better informed, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that your investment decision is based on complete facts rather than partial information.
When viewing with Brookings we are happy to help you with the right questions and make sure you’re not missing anything important.
