If you’ve ever bought or sold a home, you’ll know the process can be… less than smooth. Endless forms, long waits, and last-minute surprises have long been part of the moving experience in the UK. But that could soon change.
The Government has announced a series of major reforms designed to make buying and selling property faster, fairer, and far less stressful. Though still under consultation until the end of the year, these proposals could reshape the housing market as we know it — potentially saving buyers and sellers weeks of waiting and hundreds of pounds in fees.
We’re watching these developments closely to make sure our clients are always one step ahead.
Why Change Is Needed
Currently, it takes an average of 120 days to complete a property sale after an offer is accepted — that’s 60% longer than in 2007. Even worse, around one in three transactions collapses, costing buyers and sellers nearly £400 million a year in wasted legal and survey fees.
For many, this uncertainty and expense make moving feel out of reach. The Government’s goal is clear: cut delays, increase transparency, and rebuild confidence in the home-moving process.
Key Proposals: What’s on the Table
1. Upfront Information Packs
Under the proposed reforms, sellers would need to prepare a comprehensive pack of key property information before their home even goes on the market.
This could include:
- Title deeds, leasehold charges, and EPC rating
- Planning consents and service charges
- Flood risk, utility information, and council tax band
- A new “Property Condition Assessment” — similar to a survey, but commissioned by the seller
By sharing this information early, buyers can make informed decisions and avoid nasty surprises that lead to sales falling through.
2. Digital Property Logbooks
Imagine being able to click and see a property’s full history — repairs, improvements, planning permissions — in one place.
That’s exactly what the Government’s proposed digital logbooks aim to deliver. Sellers would keep a running digital record of their property, which could then be easily accessed by estate agents and buyers, streamlining the entire process.
3. Binding Conditional Contracts
One of the biggest frustrations for both buyers and sellers is when a deal collapses after weeks or even months of progress.
To combat this, the Government is exploring binding conditional contracts — meaning sales could become legally binding much earlier in the process. If either party backs out after a certain stage, they could lose their deposit or face a financial penalty.
This could halve the number of failed transactions and make moving home far less stressful.
4. Less Red Tape, More Clarity
Currently, buyers and sellers have to provide ID and proof of funds multiple times — to their estate agent, conveyancer, and mortgage lender. The Government wants to streamline these checks, reducing duplication and speeding up transactions.
It’s also tightening the rules around “Material Information” — the details every buyer needs to make an informed decision. Shockingly, Trading Standards found that only 35% of listings on property websites currently include all legally required information. These reforms aim to change that, ensuring every listing is complete, accurate, and transparent.
5. Raising Professional Standards
Estate agents, conveyancers, and property managers may soon face mandatory qualifications and a national Code of Practice.
At JW Wood, we welcome this wholeheartedly. We’ve always prided ourselves on professionalism, experience, and integrity — and raising the bar across the industry can only benefit our clients.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For Sellers:
- You’ll need to gather key documents early — but this can speed up your sale dramatically.
- Accurate pricing and presentation will become even more important.
- More transparency means more serious buyers and fewer time-wasters.
For Buyers:
- You’ll receive clearer, more detailed information upfront, making it easier to buy with confidence.
- The process should move faster, with fewer collapsed sales.
- You’ll be able to choose professionals based on performance data and verified standards.
How to Prepare Now
Even though these changes aren’t law yet, there are smart steps you can take now to stay ahead:
- Get organised early – Gather planning permissions, warranties, and guarantees before listing.
- Work with an experienced agent – Choose one, like JW Wood, who understands the reforms and can guide you through any new requirements.
- Be transparent – Providing full, accurate information helps build trust and keeps your sale moving.
- Stay informed – We’ll keep our clients updated as the consultation progresses and final proposals are confirmed.
Looking Ahead
These proposed reforms could mark the biggest shake-up in the UK housing market for decades — and most would agree it’s long overdue.
By improving transparency, accountability, and digital efficiency, the buying and selling process could become simpler, quicker, and less stressful for everyone.
At JW Wood Estate Agents, we’re already embracing the future — investing in digital tools, strengthening our solicitor partnerships, and continuing to deliver honest, expert advice to home movers across County Durham.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling, now’s the perfect time to plan ahead.
📞 Get in touch with your local JW Wood branch — our friendly, knowledgeable team will help you navigate every step with confidence.
Sources Rightmove and Move IQ