Moving into your new home should feel exciting — not like stepping into unresolved drama. If a seller lies about neighbour disputes or nuisance behaviour, it could be misrepresentation. In this guide, we'll cover what sellers should disclose, what your rights are, and what to do if a seller lied about the neighbours.
What does a seller need to disclose to a house buyer?
Sellers in the UK must provide buyers with accurate information about the property, including any disputes with neighbours. This is typically done via the TA6 Property Information Form, which is completed as part of the conveyancing process.
The latest Property Information Form from The Law Society includes question 16.1: "Have there been any disputes or complaints about your property or a nearby property?"
If the answer is yes, the seller must provide details, including when the issue occurred and who was involved. This question is subjective, however, if you've taken formal steps like complaining to the council or involved a solicitor, you'll likely need to disclose it.
Try to be as accurate as possible. The form says: ‘If you give incorrect or incomplete information to the buyer (on the Property Information Form (TA6) in writing or in conversation, whether through your estate agent or solicitor or directly to the buyer), the buyer may be able to make a claim for compensation or refuse to complete the purchase.’
What happens if the seller lies?
If a seller lies on the TA6 Property Information Form, this could amount to misrepresentation. This form and the seller’s responses to any additional enquiries become part of the contract. If the seller provides false information the buyer relies on to proceed, the buyer may have grounds to sue for breach of contract.
Misrepresentation and legal action
Under misrepresentation law, buyers may be entitled to:
Rescind the contract: In rare cases, the court may allow the buyer to return the property to the seller and receive their money back.
Claim compensation (damages): The more common remedy is to seek damages for the difference in value between what was paid for the property and its actual value given the undisclosed issues.
How easy is a property misrepresentation claim?
Proving that a seller gave you inaccurate information about a dispute isn’t always easy. If you can prove misrepresentation, you may have the right to ‘rescind’ the contract - returning the property and getting your money back. However, this is rare, and courts typically award compensation instead.
Collecting evidence
To strengthen your case, you should gather as much evidence as possible, including:
Speaking to other neighbours: They may be able to confirm past or ongoing issues with nuisance neighbours.
Checking with local authorities: If there have been complaints to the council or police, there may be official records.
Reviewing news archives: Local news websites may have covered incidents involving problem neighbours.
Obtaining written communication: If the seller made false statements in emails or messages, these can be used as evidence.
Seller lied about neighbours: What should I do next?
Every property case has unique circumstances. If you believe you were misled by the seller, it's always best to get professional legal help. Here's what you can do next:
Check the TA6 form: Review what the seller disclosed about neighbour disputes.
Speak to a solicitor: A property lawyer can advise you further on misrepresentation claims.
Gather evidence: Speak to neighbours, obtain council records, and document any ongoing issues.
Consider mediation: If you don’t want to go to court, mediation can be an alternative to seek compensation.
File a legal claim: If necessary, you may need to take legal action for compensation or contract rescission.
FAQs
Can I sue a seller for not disclosing neighbour disputes?
This could be an option. if the seller knowingly misrepresented information and you can prove you relied on it when purchasing the property, you may have a case for misrepresentation.
What if the seller claims they weren’t aware of the issues?
If they can prove they were genuinely unaware, it may be harder to claim misrepresentation. However, if disputes were reported to authorities, it may be difficult for them to deny knowledge.
How much compensation can I get for misrepresentation?
The amount varies depending on the financial loss caused by the undisclosed issue. Compensation usually covers the difference in property value and any additional costs incurred.
Final thoughts
Buying a home only to discover serious neighbour issues can be incredibly upsetting — especially if the seller wasn’t honest. If you suspect misrepresentation, don’t ignore it. Review the TA6 form, gather evidence, and speak to a solicitor. With the right support, you can protect your rights and explore your legal options.
Disclaimer: This article only provides general information and does not constitute professional advice. For any specific questions, consult a qualified legal professional.