In what’s being hailed as the most significant overhaul of the UK’s property transaction system in decades, the Government has launched a 12-week consultation aimed at transforming the home buying and selling process. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), aims to reduce transaction times by up to four weeks and halve the number of failed sales, potentially saving first-time buyers an average of £710.
Key Proposals in the Consultation
- Mandatory Upfront Information
- Sellers and estate agents will be required to provide comprehensive property details before listing, including leasehold costs, condition reports, and chain status.
- Binding Pre-Sale Contracts
- Optional legal agreements could prevent parties from pulling out late in the process, reducing emotional and financial stress.
- Digital Transformation
- The use of digital property logbooks, ID verification, and standardised data sharing will improve transparency and security.
- Professional Standards
- Estate agents, letting agents, and property managers will face mandatory qualifications and a new Code of Practice to raise industry standards.
- Public Registers
- Consumers will gain access to side-by-side comparisons of estate agents and conveyancers, helping them make informed choices.
Supporting Reform, Strengthening Service: Our Perspective on Home Buying and Selling Changes
The reforms have been widely welcomed across the property sector. The Law Society supports the move toward greater transparency, early instruction of conveyancers, and joined-up technology that is accessible to firms of all sizes.
BHW Conveyancing welcomes the UK government’s commitment to improving the home buying and selling process. The proposed reforms are a positive step toward reducing failed transactions and improving transparency for all parties involved.
We believe these changes have the potential to streamline the process and reduce confusion for buyers and sellers. However, it’s essential that reforms complement, and not replace, the critical role of conveyancers in safeguarding legal integrity and ensuring transactions are handled with precision and care.
Our team already embraces many of the principles behind the reforms:
- We encourage early instruction to minimise delays.
- We work proactively to clarify property chains and reduce duplication.
- We adopt technology that enhances efficiency while maintaining rigorous legal standards.
We support the introduction of joined-up digital tools and clearer responsibilities across the sector. But we also recognise that conveyancing is a complex legal process that requires expert oversight, especially when dealing with leasehold issues, title defects, or regulatory compliance.
What Happens Next?
The consultation runs until 21 December 2025, with two streams:
- One focused on the overall reform of the home buying and selling process.
- Another on defining “material information” in property listings.
Responses are invited from individuals, professionals, and organisations. You can participate via the official consultation page.
Final Thoughts
This consultation marks a pivotal moment for the UK housing market. By embracing digital innovation, enforcing professional standards, and streamlining the transaction process, the Government aims to make home buying a smoother, fairer, and more transparent experience for everyone.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or property professional, now is the time to have your say and help shape the future of homeownership in the UK.
The content of our site is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice.