Buying and selling a home is set to become faster and less complicated under major government reforms unveiled today. 

The changes aim to make the process cheaper and stop unexpected and costly delays. 

The government hopes to cut the homebuying time by about four weeks, save first-time buyers an average of £650 and prevent sales from falling through. 

Seven changes being rolled out 

To help buyers make informed decisions earlier on in the process, sellers and estate agents will have to provide key information upfront in “sales packs” at the point of listing.

This will set out a home’s condition, leasehold costs and the chain status. The government says this will help to create a fairer, more transparent process for everyone involved.

A shift towards digital rather than paper-based systems will also take place.

Digital property logbooks and sales packs will help information to be shared securely between professionals and accessed by buyers and sellers in real time, cutting out back-and-forth information sharing that can hold up sales.

The government says it will also back digital identity checks, electronic signatures and AI-assisted conveyancing to strip out duplication, reduce fraud risk and accelerate transactions.

The changes will also see earlier binding agreements to stop parties walking away months into negotiations without a legitimate reason.

A new code of practice will also raise standards for estate agents, alongside proposals for mandatory qualifications for the sector, which could ensure agents are properly equipped to support efficient transactions.

What happens next? 

The government says its “full roadmap” will be rolled out across the rest of the parliament, with a code of practice for property agents being set out later this year.

From next year, moves will include a consultation on estate agent qualifications and expanded digital tools.

Legislation to require sales packs, binding contracts and digital systems is expected by the end of parliament.

The phased approach will give the sector time to adapt, the government said.

Housing is a devolved policy area, and the UK government anticipates most of the measures will apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

‘Current system leaves people in limbo’

Sir Keir Starmer said: “Getting the keys to a home you can call your own is one of the biggest events in anyone’s life.

“But right now, the system that should provide support instead turns it into a battle, leaving people in limbo and putting that opportunity out of reach.

“We’re turning the page. Our reforms will bring this outdated process into the modern age, saving people time and money, and giving them the certainty they deserve.”