Shaping guidance that works in practice
Propertymark responded to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation on material information in property listings to ensure the voice of agents is reflected to shape future guidance and we will continue to work closely with officials as new guidance is developed.
By grounding changes in how property sales work in reality, material information reform can support faster, more transparent and more reliable home buying and selling for consumers and professionals alike.
Why this is happening now
The reforms sit alongside wider efforts to modernise the home buying and selling process. The UK Government wants buyers to have clearer, more consistent information earlier, helping them make informed decisions and reducing the risk of late surprises that can cause transactions to collapse.
Material information requirements are now driven by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, following the withdrawal of previous guidance. This creates an opportunity to reset expectations and design a system that works for consumers and professionals alike.
The key challenges and our solutions
Propertymark’s consultation response was informed by member roundtables and survey evidence, which highlight five core problems with the current ideas and put forward proposals to make material information requirements workable and effective.
Share responsibility fairly amongst professionals
Many categories of material information require legal or technical expertise that agents and sellers do not have. Expecting agents to identify and verify complex issues such as building safety defects or property construction without early input from qualified professionals is unrealistic and increases risk.
This can be addressed with earlier involvement from all professionals. Conveyancers, surveyors and other specialists should be instructed before a property is marketed. This allows material information to be identified, verified and agreed at the start, rather than emerging later and delaying transactions
A single, standardised list to avoid duplication
Different parties involved in a transaction often ask sellers for overlapping information, each working to their own regulatory requirements. This leads to inefficiency, confusion and repeated data requests.
The UK Government should work with regulators and professional bodies to agree one definitive list, with clear guidance on which party is responsible for each category.
Modernise data sharing with a single digital access point
The current process relies on static documents and fragmented communication. Information is often re-entered, re-checked and re-sent, increasing the chance of error and delay.
Propertymark strongly supports a shared digital platform where material information can be uploaded, updated and accessed by all parties in real time. Members identified this as the most effective way to reduce duplication and improve accuracy.
Design to avoid information overload
Long, undifferentiated lists of material information can be off-putting and difficult for buyers to understand. Evidence shows buyers want clear, relevant information, not extensive technical detail with no explanation.
Property listings should include a concise summary of key material information, with more detailed or technical information provided later or on request. Categories such as building safety defects, structural issues and non-standard construction should remain material information, but guidance must clearly signpost the need for qualified professionals to obtain and interpret this data.
Involve sellers to reduce commercial pressure
In a competitive market, sellers want properties listed quickly. Agents who take the time to gather material information risk losing instructions to less compliant competitors, creating an uneven playing field.
Propertymark argues sellers should share legal responsibility for providing material information. Clear government guidance is also needed so consumers understand the importance of compliant listings and value agents who follow the rules.
Phased implementation and embedding professionalism
There should be a gradual rollout of new requirements, with clear start dates for guidance and enforcement. Guidance should also clearly explain accountability, redress and penalties so all parties understand their responsibilities.
Material information obligations should be built into a mandatory Code of Practice, supported by qualifications, training and compulsory membership of a professional body to help level the playing field and raise standards across the sector.
