Could Buying and Selling a Home Get Easier? The Government’s Latest Proposals Explained

Anyone who has bought or sold a property knows that the process isn’t that simple and straightforward, around one in three sales fall through before completion. The Government has now announced proposals aimed at making the process faster, simpler and more secure.

What’s Changing?

The proposals include:

Upfront Property Information

Sellers and estate agents would need to provide key information when a property is listed.

This could include:

• Property condition
• Leasehold costs and charges
• Chain status

The aim is to help buyers make informed decisions earlier and reduce unexpected issues later in the transaction.

Digital Conveyancing

The Government wants to move away from paper-based processes by encouraging:

• Digital property logbooks
• Digital ID checks
• Electronic signatures
• AI-assisted conveyancing technology

These changes are intended to reduce delays and make information easier to share between buyers, sellers, solicitors and estate agents.

Earlier Binding Agreements

Currently, either party can withdraw before exchange.

The proposals would introduce an earlier commitment stage, with potential financial penalties for parties who pull out without good reason. The Government is still considering:

• Penalty levels
• Exception clauses
• Dispute resolution procedures

before any final changes are made.

Higher Standards for Estate Agents

Plans include:

• A new Code of Practice for Estate Agents
• Consultation on mandatory qualifications
• Greater consistency across the property industry

What could this mean for buyers and sellers?

The Government estimates these reforms could:

• Reduce transaction times by up to 4 weeks
• Save first-time buyers around £650
• Reduce the number of sales that fall through
• Increase responsibility for both buyers and sellers once the process has started, as it may become more difficult to withdraw without consequence

Industry bodies, including the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), have welcomed the proposals.

Our view

At mlplaw, we welcome reforms that aim to make the home buying and selling process faster, more transparent and less likely to fall through. Earlier access to property information and greater use of digital technology could help reduce delays and provide more certainty for buyers and sellers.

While the proposals are still at an early stage, we believe they have the potential to improve the conveyancing experience for everyone involved if implemented effectively.

Disclaimer

This article is based on the Government’s proposed home buying and selling reforms as of June 2026. The proposals are not yet law and may change before implementation. Following Prime Minister Kier Starmer’s resignation announcement on 22 June 2026, the timing and progression of these reforms may also be subject to change.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.