Can You Sue a Previous Homeowner in the UK?

Buying a house is often the biggest investment people make, and discovering problems after the purchase can be frustrating and costly. Many UK homeowners wonder: can you sue a previous homeowner if issues arise after buying a property? The answer is yes, but only under specific circumstances, primarily related to misrepresentation or failure to disclose important information. Understanding when and how legal action can be taken against a previous owner is crucial for protecting your rights and seeking compensation if necessary. When Is Legal Action Against a Previous Owner Possible? You can sue a previous homeowner if they misrepresented the property to you. Misrepresentation means the seller gave false information or deliberately hid facts that influenced your decision to buy. This could include lying about the condition of the house, pretending not to know about a problem, or giving the impression they knew nothing when they actually did. For example, if the seller claimed that b...