Make an appointment
Make an appointment Call now

Seller's obligation to report a house: what must he report?

When entering into a purchase agreement, the seller is obliged to report certain defects. In particular, defects that are not immediately visible must be clearly stated. This obligation to provide information is known as the seller's ‘duty of disclosure’. However, the buyer is expected to comply with the duty of investigation, i.e. to thoroughly examine the structural and legal aspects of the property.

When does the seller's duty of disclosure apply?

The duty to disclose applies to matters concerning the property that the seller is already aware of (or should be aware of) and the buyer is not. Examples include damaged flooring, noise pollution, soil contamination, and leaks. These are matters that cause a nuisance or hinder normal use of the property, but are not immediately apparent. If the seller is aware of these defects, they must disclose them to the buyer.

If the seller fails to comply with his duty to provide information, there is a good chance that he will have to pay compensation for the damage or that the purchase agreement will be cancelled.

What should a buyer pay attention to?

Buyers have a legal and structural investigation obligation. They are therefore expected to thoroughly investigate the legal aspects of the property and, if necessary, arrange for a building inspection. It's also important for buyers to ask follow-up questions if the seller doesn't provide clear answers.

Buyers are also advised to bring someone along when viewing the property. A (knowledgeable) outsider will see things from a different perspective and might spot that crack in the wall that the enthusiastic buyer misses.

Buyer's Preparation

Buying a house is an important and emotional event. If the buyer thoroughly investigates the advantages and disadvantages of the house, they have a stronger negotiating position. On the other hand, the seller is expected to properly inform the buyer about any defects in the house. A building inspection provides additional clarity about the condition of the house and the cost of any repairs. Sign a purchase agreement well-prepared and request a building inspection!

Would you like to make an appointment for a building inspection?

The cost of a building inspection (up to 250 m²) is only €489 including VAT. We'll conduct a comprehensive building inspection and you'll receive a building report. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and can schedule an appointment with an expert inspector right away if you wish!

Make an appointment

Recent articles

homekeur_funderingsrisico_onderzoek_
blog
03 September 2026
NTA 8060: the basis for a professional building inspection
What is NTA 8060 and why is this technical standard important for a structural inspection? NTA 8060 describes a uniform methodology for assessing the structural condition of homes. Homekeur uses this methodology as an important basis for its structural inspections and is also actively involved in the revision of NTA 8060. In this article, we explain what NTA 8060 entails, what you as a home buyer will notice, and why the methodology is currently being updated.
Een vrouw achter een laptop
blog
02 September 2026
Energy labels cause price differences in home values ​​in 2026
In 2026, the energy label will have an increasing influence on the value of a home. Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers, have lower monthly costs, and can be more favorable for the maximum mortgage amount. As a result, the price difference between homes with a good and a poor energy label can be significant. How significant is the influence of the energy label on home value, and which improvements can increase the value of your home?
Mensen kijken omhoog naar een huis en een man wijst
blog
31 July 2026
Independent building inspection: why independence makes the difference
When buying a home, you don't want any surprises afterwards. An independent structural inspection gives you an objective picture of the technical condition of the property, including any defects, maintenance points, and expected repair costs. In this blog, you will read why independence is so important and how an expert structural inspection helps you buy or sell a home with confidence.

Back to list