UK Government Proposes Reforms to Speed Up Home buying
Introduction
Earlier this month, the UK government launched a 12-week consultation (6 Oct – 29 Dec 2025) to explore major reforms to how homes are bought and sold. The proposals aim to make the process faster, simpler, and more transparent, tackling long-standing inefficiencies in the housing market.
Currently, it takes around 120 days to complete a home purchase once an offer is accepted, and nearly one in three transactions fail before completion. If implemented, these reforms could reduce this timeline by around four weeksand improve confidence for buyers, sellers, and investors.
It’s important to note that these proposals are still under consultation, and any final changes will depend on government decisions and future legislation.
Key Proposals Being Considered
1. Upfront Property Information
Sellers (and their agents) may be required to provide key property details early in the process, including:
Condition reports
Leasehold costs
Chain information and title data
The goal is to help buyers make informed decisions sooner, reduce delays, and prevent transactions from falling through.
2. Professionalising Estate Agents
The government is exploring mandatory qualifications for estate, letting, and managing agents, alongside a single code of practice.
This could:
Raise professional standards
Improve consumer protection
Deliver a more consistent experience for buyers and sellers
3. Digital Logbooks and Property Packs
Digital solutions are a central part of the consultation, including:
Digital property logbooks containing verified information
Online identity verification for buyers and sellers
Reduction in duplicated checks and delays
These changes aim to modernise the property transaction process for the digital age.
4. Binding Conditional Contracts
The consultation explores introducing earlier legal commitment points for buyers and sellers, potentially reducing the risk of deals collapsing late in the process.
Note: these are proposals under consideration, not yet confirmed.
5. Greater Transparency and Consumer Education
The government wants to ensure that buyers and sellers:
Understand fees, responsibilities, and the process
Have access to better consumer education
Can make informed decisions with confidence
6. Streamlining the Transaction Flow
Finally, proposals aim to integrate data across conveyancers, agents, and lenders.
Improved data sharing and digital verification could reduce delays
A more seamless flow of information may speed up completion and reduce errors
Potential Impact
First-time buyers could save on average £710 per transaction if reforms are implemented.
Home movers may save around £400 on average.
Faster and more predictable transactions would benefit investors, who often rely on timely completions for cash flow.
While the proposals are promising, the consultation notes that there may be additional costs for sellers to provide upfront information or digital packs.
Implications for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors
Buyers may benefit from a more transparent and less stressful process, with fewer surprises and fall-throughs.
Sellers could see reduced transaction risks, but may need to invest more upfront in property documentation.
Investors should continue using data-driven tools to evaluate opportunities. Understanding how reforms affect timelines, transparency, and local markets will be key.
To plan your next move:
First-time buyers can calculate affordability and plan budgets with our 1st Time Buyer’s Calculator.
Investors can assess rental returns and cash flow with our Buy-to-Let Calculator.
How Property Like A Pro Can Help
At Property Like A Pro, we guide buyers, sellers, and investors through complex property transactions:
Consultancy on buying and selling efficiently
Insights into market trends, timelines, and risks
Support with due diligence, financing, and portfolio planning
We help clients make confident, informed property decisions, whether or not these reforms are implemented.
➡️ Looking to buy or invest in property? Start by using our 1st Time Buyer’s Calculator or Buy-to-Let Calculator to plan your next step with confidence.