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Property misrepresentation claims solicitors

Buying a new home is one of the most stressful things you will do in life and is probably the most expensive purchase that you will ever make. It therefore goes without saying that when buying a property, you will want to make sure that there is nothing wrong with it, before you buy.

The legal position is the well-known phrase, “caveat emptor” or ‘buyer beware’, which essentially means that it is your responsibility as a purchaser, to make all of the necessary checks and enquiries on a property, before you buy it. You will therefore be advised, usually by your solicitors, to ensure that you get a survey of the property before you purchase.

Sometimes however, a surveyor may not be able to pick up everything that may be wrong with a property. It might be because they have been unable to access a particular area or because the issue has been hidden or covered up by the seller.

If you think you may have a claim for property misrepresentation and wish to discuss it with us, call our specialist team on 0161 696 6178 or complete our online enquiry form

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What is property misrepresentation?

Legally, property misrepresentation occurs when a seller either withholds information or intentionally provides false details on the seller's property information form or in response to additional enquiries.

Bought a house with problems not disclosed

What happens if issues arise after purchasing a home? Discovering problems post-purchase doesn't automatically entitle you to sue the seller for non-disclosure. While it's common for sellers to complete a property information form (TA6), the onus is on you to raise enquiries, conduct a house survey, perform searches, and assess the property's condition. Your solicitor should provide guidance throughout this process.

If the seller is unaware of a problem and cannot answer your enquiries, they must acknowledge this and cannot be held accountable. If circumstances change and they obtain new information, they must inform you. A house survey should uncover hidden defects, but we'll address what to do if it fails to do so later in the article.

To make a property misrepresentation claim, you must demonstrate that the defect existed before the exchange of contracts and that the seller knowingly provided false information. In some instances, defects may arise after you've moved in, leaving you responsible for addressing them.

Duty of the seller

Unfortunately, there is no duty on the seller of a property to disclose any issues or defects with the property, voluntarily. A seller does however have a duty to answer all enquiries in relation to the property honestly and accurately. Standard enquiries are usually made by the seller being asked to complete the sellers property information form, which is a standard form produced by the Law Society. This asks a number of questions relating to the property and any issues relating to it and the surrounding area, that are within the knowledge of the seller. Your solicitor may also ask further specific enquiries throughout the course of the conveyancing process, which again, the seller has a duty to answer accurately and honestly.

Seller lied on property information form

So, what happens if a seller lies on the property information form in the UK or in response to specific enquiries?

In England and Wales, this can result in a claim for misrepresentation against the seller. The sellers property information form and replies to enquiries, form part of the contract between you and the seller. It is therefore a breach of that contract if they knowingly misrepresent any of the answers on the form and you then rely on those representations in purchasing the property. This is why property misrepresentation claims in the UK are sometimes made, because the buyer has lost out significantly due to the seller knowingly or failing to disclose certain issues when asked about them.

Our property dispute solicitors have acted for numerous clients who have found themselves in the situation where they bought a house and found problems after these should have been disclosed. 

What are common examples of property misrepresentation?

Misrepresentation can encompass a broad spectrum of problems arising from inaccurate or false statements. Examples of the types of misrepresentations that we have seen in terms of problems with a house after completion in the UK include the following:

  • Structural issues that require extensive remedial works
  • Damp
  • Disputes with the neighbours to the property
  • Proposed planning in the area that could affect the value of the property
  • The presence of Japanese Knotweed in the garden

The above list is by no means exhaustive and there can be a range of other issues that arise.

Bringing a claim for seller misrepresentation

If you wish to bring a claim against a seller for misrepresentation, you firstly have to show that they have answered an enquiry inaccurately or incorrectly and then you have to be able to prove that the seller was aware of the issue before you bought the property. The latter can sometimes be more difficult to prove and usually speaking with neighbours who may be willing to give a statement to support your case, can be very helpful evidence. 

For example, if a seller didn’t disclose asbestos in their UK home before selling it, you will need to prove that they knew about the asbestos and knowingly failed to disclose this.

If you can prove your case, you may then have a claim against the seller to rescind the contract, which means to cancel the contract, return the property to them and you get back all that you have spent. If the issue is considered to be minor or capable of rectification however, the court may find that it is more proportionate for your claim to be one for damages to reflect either the cost of any remedial works or the diminution in the value of the property.

If you instructed a surveyor to assess the property before you purchased it, it is also important to consider (whether with or without a claim for potential misrepresentation in property transactions), if the surveyor ought to have noticed the issues with the property, in particular if they relate to the condition of the property. You may have a potential professional negligence claim against the surveyor also. 

If you think you may have a claim for property misrepresentation and wish to discuss it with us, call our specialist team on 01616 966 229  or complete our online enquiry form

Property misrepresentation FAQs

Can someone sue after buying a house in the UK?

Answering the question of whether someone can sue after buying a house if they feel that it was misrepresented, isn’t always straightforward. In England and Wales, a buyer may claim that the seller misrepresented the property or breached the sales agreement. The misrepresentation could be anything from known structural problems, to issues with neighbours, or if the seller lied on the property information form about flooding.

It could be considered misrepresentation if the seller knew of a problem but didn’t disclose it to the seller when asked during the conveyancing process, if they hid a problem with the property or purposefully didn’t include information about it in response to a direct enquiry. The seller has a duty to be honest and accurate in their answers and the information they supply to the buyer.

Can a home buyer sue the seller?

If you have bought a house in England and Wales, with problems not disclosed by the vendor (seller), then you may be within your rights to sue or rescind the contract. From nightmare neighbours to damp walls and pest issues, or not declaring flooding when selling a house in the UK, a seller is legally required to state anything that is wrong with the property, before completing a sale. However, it does depend on the defect discovered by the home buyer and when they discovered it as to what action they are within their rights to take. If a defect is discovered in between exchange and completion, the buyer has the right to refuse to complete the sale, request a specific amount to be knocked off the purchase price or be entitled to damages. If the buyer discovers a defect after completion, the buyer may be able to claim damages in respect of a breach of contract or misrepresentation or they may be able to rescind the contract altogether. As a buyer, you are entitled to claim damages if there is a significant difference between the description or value of the property and how it actually is. Don’t suffer in silence if you have been mis-led when buying your home; look into property misrepresentation claims in the UK to see if you can seek damages or other recourse. 

Is a verbal offer on a property legally binding?

In England and Wales, an offer on a property isn’t legally binding until contracts are exchanged. An offer can be made verbally (over the phone or in person) but this should not be taken as final. In reality, there can be up to several weeks between a verbal offer and the signing of contract. Until contracts are exchanged, a buyer’s verbal offer is ‘subject to contract’ which means the price can still be negotiated (usually in the instance of a survey revealing a problem).

How long are you liable after selling a house?

The liability of a seller after selling a house is typically limited to the information they provided during the sale process. Once the sale is complete and contracts are exchanged, the seller's liability for any undisclosed issues or misrepresentations diminishes. However, there may be exceptions, so it's advisable to seek legal advice for specific cases.

How do you prove property misrepresentation?

To bring a misrepresentation claim, you need to show the seller answered enquiries inaccurately or incorrectly and prove they knew of the issue before the sale. Speaking with neighbours for supporting statements can help. For example, proving the seller knew about undisclosed asbestos or Japanese knotweed can strengthen your case.

How much can you claim for misrepresentation?

You can claim the full purchase price plus interest if the contract is rescinded. For damages, you can claim the difference between the price paid and the property's actual value, along with any additional losses directly resulting from the misrepresentation. Your entitlement to rescind depends on various issues and so it is important to seek independent legal advice on these issues as soon as possible.

What is the time limit for property misrepresentation in the UK?

In the UK, you have up to six years to file a property misrepresentation claim. The statute of limitations for such claims is normally six years from the date of exchange of contracts for the purchase. It is important to seek independent legal advice as soon as possible to avoid any claim becoming time barred.   ​

Is it difficult to prove misrepresentation?

Proving misrepresentation in a fraud case can be complex and challenging. It requires a thorough understanding of the law and experience in investigating and litigating fraud. Therefore, seeking legal assistance is crucial if you believe you've been a victim of misrepresentation.

What needs to be proven for misrepresentation?

To establish misrepresentation, the plaintiff must establish that a material false statement or omission occurred, influencing their decision to enter the contract. Moreover, they need to demonstrate resulting damages. Essentially, it boils down to proving deceit that led to tangible harm, a crucial aspect in contractual disputes.

What is misrepresentation?

Misrepresentation is when one party makes false statements that impact the other party's decision to enter a contract. Its discovery can render the contract void, and the aggrieved party may pursue damages depending on the circumstances.

How are damages for misrepresentation calculated?

Damages for negligent or fraudulent misrepresentation adhere to standard principles. Alongside rescission, compensation aims to restore the injured party to their pre-contractual state. Essentially, the awarded damages seek to rectify the impact of the misrepresentation, aligning with legal precedents. Ordinarily this could be assessed as the diminution in value between the value of the property without defects to the value of the property with defects.

What happens if an agent misrepresents a property?

If a property seller or any professional involved in the transaction misrepresents the property, you could have a basis for a claim in the UK. Seeking prompt legal advice is essential to assess your options for potential recourse against the misrepresented property.

What happens if you buy a house with undisclosed problems?

If you've bought a house with undisclosed issues and possess evidence, you can pursue legal recourse against the seller for misrepresentation. Alternatively, if third parties are liable, consider lodging a complaint for professional negligence to seek redress for the undisclosed problems.

Do you have to declare problems with neighbours when selling a house?

As a seller, you are legally obligated to disclose any disputes or issues with neighbours when selling a house. Failing to do so could result in legal repercussions, highlighting the importance of transparency in property transactions regarding neighbour-related matters.

How do you defend a misrepresentation claim?

Defending claims made against you in  misrepresentation involves proving lack of knowledge regarding the false or misleading statement made. If you relied on information provided by another person without reason to doubt its accuracy, it can weaken the claimant’s claim of dishonesty, serving as a potential defence strategy.

Does a seller have to declare asbestos?

Sellers are obligated to disclose the presence of asbestos during the property sale. If they're aware of its existence or have conducted an asbestos survey due to construction activities, they must provide this information to the buyer. Compliance with these regulations ensures transparency and buyer safety.

What is the burden of proof for misrepresentation in the UK?

In the UK, the burden of proof for misrepresentation lies with the claimant. They must demonstrate that a misrepresentation occurred and that it influenced the contract's formation. Representations devoid of fraud or negligence constitute innocent misrepresentation.

 

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Undisclosed issues which can lead to misrepresentation claims

Neighbour disputes

Disputes with neighbours are extremely common, they can arise in the instance of fairly minor issues but sometimes they can be more significant. In some instances the disputes lead to physical violence and the police being called. Homeowners often want to move because of their neighbours. It is always best, if possible for the dispute to be avoided and if that is not possible resolved and for there to be written evidence of how it was resolved before the sale.

These issues may then transfer to the new owner of the property and cause distress when they should be enjoying their new home. The seller is asked in section 2 of the seller’s property information form to outline ongoing disputes, historic disputes and potential issues of dispute for the future. If details are omitted or misleading the seller may face a claim for misrepresentation and a claim for damages to compensate the buyer, for example, for loss in value of the property. However, the level of this compensation will depend on a multitude of factors and the unique circumstances of each case. If you believe that your seller was not truthful about disclosing neighbour disputes when selling the property, you might be able to make a claim. Get in touch with our team for more information and to find out if you can claim.

Noise disruption

Nearly a third of people living in the UK encounter some sort of noise issues with their neighbours. Sometimes property sellers arrange viewings to take place at a time when they know noise does not occur or is less likely to occur and this can be misleading for the potential buyer. If noise has been an issue to the person selling the property it must be disclosed on the seller's property information form.

Noise disturbance can take many forms from arguments, noisy pets, loud children, loud music, parties, carrying out DIY or gardening at inappropriate times to name a few. However, what one person considers unbearable another may consider tolerable. For instance, if the buyer themselves has a lively family or pets the noise from neighbours may not have the same level of irritation. However, this is subjective so noise disputes need to be outlined specifically by the seller, including details of type and frequency of noise.

If the seller has considered the disturbance so distressing that they have notified the police or the local authority they need to disclose this including the date it was reported and if a resolution was achieved or if it remains an ongoing issue.

If noise has been an issue the seller should disclose it and make clear that they have reduced the price accordingly to reflect this. Advice should have been sought about how much to reduce the price by.

If noise disruption has not been disclosed and the price has not been reduced and you are encountering distress you may be able to claim misrepresentation compensation from the buyer.

Flooding

Annually around 5 million properties are at risk of river and surface water flooding. The impact of a flooding can be devastating. Some property sellers are so keen to sell their home that they do not disclose historic flooding on the seller’s property information form.

Sellers need to be open and honest and not mislead the purchaser about historic flooding so a buyer can ascertain the likelihood of reoccurrence. This allows the buyer to make an informed choice before proceeding with the risk considered in the purchase price.

Some flooding may be picked up on the environmental searches, for example if the property is located in a flood risk area, but not all of it as there are different types of flooding including: sewer, surface, ground, river and coastal. Flooding should be declared if it has occurred in any part of the property including the garden, any land and outbuildings.

In addition to not specifying if flooding has occurred, a seller who specifies that flooding has occurred must not mis-lead or exaggerate regarding the preventative steps that have been taken. For instance, disclosing soakaways in the garden where they do not exist, exaggerating flood defences and flood proofing as well as underplaying the instances of how frequently flooding has occurred.

If you have purchased a property and experienced flooding that causes damage or has an impact on the value of your property, you may have a claim for misrepresentation against the seller. If the flooding also occurred prior to your purchase and you have evidence of such, but the seller did not inform you of this in the seller’s property information form then you may be able to recover your losses from the seller.

Appoint a solicitor to review the circumstances and take the dispute up with the seller if appropriate. We have represented clients whose homes and commercial premises have flooded and have successfully demonstrated that the correct disclosures had not been made to the purchaser. 

If you think you may have a claim for property misrepresentation as a result of an undisclosed neighbour/noise dispute or non-disclosed flooding and wish to discuss it with us, call our specialist team on 01616 966 229  or complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you directly. 

To browse a range of FAQs related to property misrepresentation please click the following link: Property misrepresentation FAQs

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