"While greater transparency will undoubtedly help buyers make better-informed decisions, it also risks leaving some sellers stuck with homes that are far harder to shift"
- Shepherd Ncube - Springbok Properties
Sellers may struggle to find buyers if government proposals requiring full disclosure of property issues are introduced, according to new research from Springbok Properties, a UK-based cash buying and quick-sale specialist. The study suggests that nearly half of potential buyers could be deterred from properties with disclosed problems, with 94% indicating they would offer below the asking price.
The government has launched a consultation on home buying and selling reforms that would require sellers and estate agents to provide full property information upfront, before a home can be listed. The proposals aim to improve transparency, reduce delays and lower the risk of transactions falling through due to late or incomplete disclosures.
Currently, much of this information is captured through the TA6 Property Information Form, which covers boundaries, planning permissions, neighbour disputes, insurance, flooding, and known structural issues. However, completing the form is voluntary, meaning many buyers remain unaware of potential issues when committing to a purchase.
A survey of over 1,000 homebuyers commissioned by Springbok Properties found:
32% did not believe they were provided with a TA6 form when buying their last home.
55% were unsure if they had received one.
Around 9% reported discovering issues post-purchase, including:
Structural problems (28%)
Nearby development or construction plans (19%)
Flooding issues (13%)
Pest problems (11%)
Structural problems were shown to be particularly costly, reducing a property’s value by up to 20%, equivalent to approximately £54,000, based on the current average UK house price.
Despite potential challenges for sellers, the research indicated strong support for the reforms, with 78% of those surveyed backing mandatory upfront property information.
However, further analysis suggests the changes could make selling a home more difficult. An additional survey of 1,000 homebuyers found:
49% would be deterred from buying a property if issues were listed.
94% said they would offer below the asking price.
“While greater transparency will undoubtedly help buyers make better-informed decisions, it also risks leaving some sellers stuck with homes that are far harder to shift,” said Shepherd Ncube, CEO of Springbok Properties. “We often see sellers turn to our cash buying service because they’ve inherited a property or are struggling to sell one with serious issues that deter traditional buyers. Better upfront information would certainly help protect buyers from expensive mistakes, but it could also increase the number of sellers facing stalled transactions.
“The good news is that there are still options for these sellers. Property cash buying companies like Springbok Properties can purchase any home, regardless of its condition or history, offering a guaranteed sale and providing a clear exit route without forcing sellers to conceal problems just to secure a buyer.”
