Rules on disclosing future developments?

Octothorpe

A listing has this as a selling point:

• Great size rear garden overlooking fields to the rear

Hmmmm forgets to mention those views will be a distant memory soon as 1000 new homes are being built on that farmland 🙄😂

Just find it a bit ridiculous to advertise that with loads of pictures of the views when they know full well it will all be new builds soon.

Davesnave

It's very difficult to prove you know what someone else knows unless they tell you, but it isn't that hard to DYOR on any property you might consider  purchasing. Indeed, I'd go further; it's never been easier.

Most people put more time into researching their next phone or car than the largest purchase they'll ever make, but that's their choice.

AdrianC

Is it wrong?

There is indeed a "great size" rear garden which does indeed overlook fields... currently? And those pics do indeed represent the view currently?

It is, of course, up to the buyer to do their own research. And it would be VERY unlikely for even the most basic local research not to uncover a 1,000 property development, right...?

user1977

Has planning actually been granted? Even if it has, it doesn't necessarily mean development is starting imminently - you could still have fields for years. 

Redwino222

I always check for planning applications before I purchase.  I would never rely on estate agents blurb.  It’s all in the public domain, it’s an easy internet search. 

Octothorpe

Yes research is key! Just seems a bit 'wrong' for want of a better word to use that in the description. 

Planning all granted it will be a massive development with shops, school, etc etc.

No wonder they're selling and have priced it low 🙈

Gavin83

I’d expect this to be a question on the form the solicitor sends out. If they refuse to answer that would be a major red flag for me. 

AdrianC

Gavin83 said:

I’d expect this to be a question on the form the solicitor sends out. If they refuse to answer that would be a major red flag for me. 

Did you read this thread?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6261488/searches-did-not-show-major-development

Gavin83

AdrianC said:

Gavin83 said:

I’d expect this to be a question on the form the solicitor sends out. If they refuse to answer that would be a major red flag for me. 

Did you read this thread?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6261488/searches-did-not-show-major-development

No but what relevance does this have to what I’ve said? I haven’t mentioned searches.

Davesnave

Octothorpe said:

Yes research is key! Just seems a bit 'wrong' for want of a better word to use that in the description. 

Planning all granted it will be a massive development with shops, school, etc etc.

No wonder they're selling and have priced it low 🙈

You are assuming too much. My father's property had fields behind which everyone knew would be built on eventually. That building coincided with my inheriting it. Like you, I imagined the big development next door would kibosh the chances of getting a good price, but I pressed on with a facelift of Dad's bungalow and by the time I'd finished there was a 5 bed 'executive' house beside us.

Contrary to my expectations, I broke the ceiling price for the road. The lady who purchased was from another town and had never seen the fields. Even if she had, she might well have preferred the security of a private garden behind than some overgrown fields with unknown persons walking dogs etc.

youth_leader

I had open fields at the back of my previous house, memories of the 'lamping lights' on my bedroom ceiling make me shudder.  For me they were unfortunately just a sadistic playground for inbreeds with their dogs, noisily poaching the rabbits and deer.