Majority of estate agents don’t check about neighbour disputes

It is thought that many firms tend to skirt round the issue, fearing that a problem may create difficulties selling a property.

A total of 116 estate agents were surveyed by Churchill Insurance during the summer and of this sample group, only 40 per cent said they actively asked vendors whether there was any conflict between them and their neighbours.

More troubling still is the claim that only 15 per cent of agents would pass information to a prospective buyer.

This is despite the fact that agents are legally obliged to disclose any negative issues about a property to someone who has expressed an interest. Failing to meet these requirements under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations can leave agents open to legal action and severe punishments.

At Royds, our residential property team has a wealth of experience handling transactions around London and further afield. For more information on the services we provide, please contact Deborah North or Relf Clark or visit.

Or if you need advice on neighbour disputes, please contact Chris Rodda or Jacinta Conway.