Sell My Property Direct

SELLING A PROPERTY

How to write your advert

The Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 states it is a criminal offence for estate agents and property developers to dishonestly and misleadingly describe property they are selling. This Act does not apply to individuals who sell their homes privately, but we suggest you use this guide to ensure you cannot later be sued for damages for misrepresentation or have your buyers pull out of the sale.

Here are some useful tips to writing your ad and what is acceptable practice under the Act.

Terms such as 'immaculate condition' or 'recently decorated' are acceptable but they must refer to the whole property unless otherwise stated.
You can mention attractive features but you mustn't leave out less attractive ones. It could be seen as being misleading if the overall description comes across as a perfect home, when they're are some negatives.
Don't suggest you are in a particular geographic area, when it is clear that you are beyond these areas accepted boundaries.
Be careful, using phrases such as 'easy access' or 'close to'. It is better to quote actual distance in mileage, i.e.'15 miles from Reading'.
Avoid using misleading photographs. For instance a very wide-angle lens can make a property look much larger than it is. Do not digitally enhance a photograph or crop it if gives a different impression from the reality.

In general, our advice is to be factual, and try to avoid using "flowery" language, keeping your ad simple. Below is an example of a property description and what needs to be included.

Price
Property type
No Of Bedrooms
Parking
Garden
Freehold Or Leasehold

Summary

A 3 bedroom bay fronted semi-detached house located on the outskirts of anytown offered with many features and an enclosed garden.

Hall

Entrance door via thehall with stairs to first floor, window to the side . Radiator.

Lounge

Dimensions: 4.39m into bay x 3.70m / 14' 5" into bay x 12' 2"

Gas fire with stone surround and audio display plinth, wall light points, 1/2 bay window to the front elevation. Radiator.

Dining Room

Dimensions: 3.94m x 3.22m / 12' 11" x 10' 7"
Gas fire, French doors and windows to the rear elevation. Two radiators.

Kitchen

Dimensions: 2.85m x 2.27m / 9' 4" x 7' 5"

Wall, base and drawer units, plumbing for automatic washing machine and dishwasher, eye level oven, gas hob, tiled splash backs, one and a half bowl single drainer sink unit with mixer tap over, window and stable door to the side elevation.

Landing

Window to the side elevation

Bedroom 1

Dimensions: 4.39m x 3.09m plus robes / 14' 5" x 10' 2" plus robes

Fitted wardrobes, window to the front elevation. Radiator

Bedroom 2

Dimensions: 3.93m x 2.68m plus robes / 12' 11" x 8' 10" plus robes

Fitted wardrobes, window to the rear elevation. Radiator.

Bedroom 3

Dimensions: 2.75m into door x 1.82m / 9' 0" into door x 6' 0"

Bulk head with storage over, window to the front elevation. Radiator

Separate WC

Low flush W.C, window to the side elevation

Bathroom

Panelled bath, shower cubicle, pedestal wash hand basin, tiled walls, window to the side elevation. Radiator

Front Garden

Front garden mainly laid to lawn with well stocked borders of flowers and shrubs

Side Garden

Path and laid lawn and borders

Rear Garden

Dimensions: 6.09m x 12.19m / 20' x 40'

Enclosed garden with shed

Driveway

Off Road parking is provided

Local authority

Norwich City Council: City Hall, St. Peter's Street, Norwich NR2 1NH

Telephone: 01603 6222233

Web: www.norwich.gov.uk

Local education authority

Norfolk County Council, Student Support, Education Dept, County Hall, NR1 2DL

Council Tax Band

PLACE YOUR AD NOW