What the reforms aim to change the home buying process
A government consultation proposes a major shake-up of how homes are bought and sold in the UK. The package is designed to make the process faster, cheaper and easier by boosting upfront information, shortening the steps buyers must undertake, and giving greater certainty in property chains. Officials say the changes could shave about a month off the average time to complete a house purchase and reduce the typical moving bill by roughly £700, a figure that would be welcomed by many first-time buyers facing high mortgage costs and stamp duty hurdles.
Key proposals and how they could work
Several elements are under consideration as part of the consultation. First, selling agents and vendors may need to provide more information up front when a property is listed for sale. This could mean buyers spend less time chasing missing details about the home and its history, potentially reducing the need for extra searches and surveys. Second, there is talk of binding contracts being introduced earlier in the process. By securing a formal commitment sooner, the risk of a property chain collapsing could fall, saving time and avoiding costly delays.
Another pillar focuses on increasing transparency around the professionals involved in a sale. Estate agents and conveyancers could face clearer information regarding their track records and expertise, alongside a code of practice and mandatory qualifications. These measures would aim to lift professional standards, helping consumers feel more confident in the people guiding them through one of the country’s biggest financial decisions.
Digital tools and international comparisons
Officials highlight the potential for digital solutions to streamline transactions. A broader use of online processes and digital identity checks could speed up steps that currently require physical paperwork. The government cites the Finnish digital real estate system as an example, noting that a fully digital process can, in some cases, conclude in around two weeks. The Scottish system, with more upfront information and earlier binding contracts, also informs the debate, suggesting a mix of lessons that could fit the UK market.
Economic and consumer impact
When the proposals are fully fleshed out, the government believes they could deliver meaningful savings. A typical buyer could see around £710 shaved from their moving costs, and sellers might face some upfront expenses of around £310 due to the added information and checks. Those in the middle of a property chain could experience a net saving of about £400, as lower buying costs offset higher upfront costs for sellers. The overall effect would be a more predictable and efficient market, reducing stress for households navigating a complex process.
Industry reaction
The proposals have drawn support from several corners of the property sector. Rightmove’s chief executive noted that the home-moving process contains many fragmented parts, adding that speed, connected data and stakeholder simplicity should be core goals. A lender, Santander, stressed the importance of modernizing a process that has remained largely unchanged for generations. However, political responses have been mixed, with opposition voices warning against repeating past mistakes and emphasising the need for careful implementation and sufficient protections for consumers and small businesses.
What happens next
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the reforms could turn the harsh reality of buying a home into a simpler, more straightforward experience. A full roadmap will be published in the new year following the consultation, giving stakeholders time to review the details and propose amendments. In the meantime, buyers and sellers should watch for potential changes that could affect how property transactions are conducted, including the possibility of replaces the traditional reliance on multiple surveys with a smarter, data-driven approach.
Why this matters for households
For many households, a faster, more transparent process could unlock the dream of homeownership without the prolonged uncertainty that currently accompanies many property purchases. If implemented well, the reforms offer the chance to reduce the emotional and financial strain of moving, while helping families settle into their new homes sooner. The coming months will reveal how the government plans to balance faster processing with robust protections, ensuring that buyers, sellers and professionals alike can operate with confidence.
