Important changes have been announced regarding the guidance of material information, which was designed and implemented to help support sales and allow agents to comply with their legal obligations under the unjust commercial regulations 2008.
Initially introduced at the end of 2023, the guide was introduced in the phases to help bring standardization within the sector and help consumers make more informed decisions through the delivery of unified properties.
However, all parts of the current material information guide have been withdrawn with immediate effect, as of May 8, 2025, due to the new Law of Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers 2024 replacing and replacing the initial legislation by which the guide was based.
National commercial standards are currently in the process of eliminating all the details on the guidance of material information from their communication channels.
However, the duty to provide usable “material information” is not discarded and the risks of non -compliance are much higher enhanceable with more substantial sanctions of the competition and the authority of the expected markets.
Property agents now must meet the legal requirements regarding material information in the competence and consumer law of digital markets (DMCC Law). New expectations require merchants to behave fairly and diligently within their treatment with consumers. A merchant could be infringing, for example, if it does not provide key information that is material for a decision about a property, act unfairly, deceive or behave aggressively towards consumers.
The competence and market authority has so far published the following guide.
+ General guidance on unfair commercial practices
+ What companies need to know about unfair commercial practices
+ Orientation on the CMA approach for consumer protection
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, commented: “It is essential that all agents know this crucial announcement and how fundamental affects their business and operations. Compliance throughout the industry regarding the information of the material, so that it is replaced by New Legislet in less than two years and with a guide of the limited sector for consumers and professionals, this could cause confusion of the table.”
Lesley Horton, defender of the interim People, the Ombudsman of the Property, commented: “While the guide has been withdrawn, we defend the principle of providing support to consumers and agents to understand what material information should be disclosed in advance.
“Our consultation and social work data tell us that agents will need guidance to help them understand what it is and what is not material information. We remain committed to the value of those interested in national trade in this regard.
“Meanwhile, our experienced decision makers will continue to make fair and reasonable decisions about a basic case of use of our codes such as the standard of the practice of the professional agency”
Sean Hooker of Property Repair declared: “Information in advance and transparent is essential for the real estate sector to act effective and fairly.
“The work done by many in the industry to ensure that material information is rooted in the culture and practices of professionals in property sales and rentals over recent years has been invaluable to increase standards and protect consumers.
“While in the repair of properties we have been in EladoEfront to solve problems between the agents and their clients, there is a true need for a clear and solid guide to help prevent harmful mistakes from being committed.
“We will continue to solve the complaint that is raised with us following the established principles and values, but also to apply the measures strengthened in the new legislet.”
Paul Offley, compliance officer of the Group of Property professionals, added: “The guild has constantly defended initiatives that improve transparency and consumer protection. The gradual deployment of the orientation of material information was a significant step in that direction and for the processes of the members and guarantee compliance.
He continued: “Therefore, it is a graceful that this established guide has been withdrawn so steep, less than two years after its implementation. Although we recognize that the legislation evolves, the change of speed, Hasce, makes, a considerable confusion for both professionals and consumers, especially given the current lack of specific guidance of the sector for the new law.”
“We will continue working with our members to help raise awareness and ensure that consumers are provided with the information they need to make an informed transactional decision.”
