Buying or selling a home in England has long had a reputation for being slow, stressful, and unpredictable. New government proposals announced in June 2026 aim to change that - and if they go ahead, they could reshape the entire property transaction process for years to come.
Here's a plain-English breakdown of what's being proposed, why it matters, and what it could mean for your next move.
Property transactions in England currently take a long time to complete, and a large share collapse before completion - sometimes after buyers and sellers have already spent months and thousands of pounds on surveys, legal fees, and removals planning.
To tackle these long-standing pain points, the government has put forward a package of reforms covering the whole home-moving journey, from the information sellers must disclose at listing stage through to how estate agents are trained, qualified, and regulated.
Sellers and their agents would need to prepare a detailed information pack the moment a property is listed, covering things like the property's condition, leasehold charges, and chain position.
Why it matters: Buyers get the full picture before they make an offer, rather than discovering issues months into a purchase. For sellers, it can help filter in more serious, better-informed buyers and reduce the odds of a sale falling apart later on.
At the moment, either party in an English property transaction can pull out at almost any point before contracts are exchanged, often without any real penalty. The proposed reform would make commitments binding much earlier in the process.
Why it matters: This directly targets one of the most costly problems in the market - deals collapsing after significant time and money have already gone in. Buyers would have more certainty that "their" property won't be sold to someone else, and sellers would have stronger protection against last-minute withdrawals.
Currently, anyone in England can become an estate agent without holding a formal qualification. The proposals introduce a Code of Practice alongside compulsory professional qualifications for agents.
Why it matters: Buyers and sellers could expect more consistent standards of service and expertise from the agents handling their transaction - something that isn't guaranteed under the current, largely unregulated system.
The reforms lean heavily into digitisation: digital property logbooks, digital ID verification, e-signatures, and AI-assisted conveyancing are all on the table, replacing much of the current paper-heavy process.
Why it matters: Less duplication, less waiting on physical paperwork, and a more transparent process overall. Other countries that have already digitised their systems have seen dramatic results - some completing sales in a matter of weeks rather than months.
Property industry leaders have broadly welcomed the direction of the reforms, describing them as a meaningful step towards a faster, more transparent market. The consensus view is that success will hinge on how the changes are phased in, and on getting genuine collaboration between government, agents, and the wider industry - so the reforms support the market rather than disrupt it.
It's important to stress that these are proposals, not law - yet. How (and when) each element is rolled out will determine how much real-world difference they make for people buying and selling homes. Given how much longer transactions currently take compared to the government's own targets, there's clearly room for meaningful improvement.
In the meantime, the fundamentals of a smooth, successful sale or purchase haven't changed: accurate pricing, thorough preparation, and working with an experienced local agent who can guide you through the process from listing to completion.
Whatever reforms come into force, the best way to move with confidence right now is to have the right team behind you. Whether you're looking to sell your home quickly and for the best possible price, or you're searching for your next property, our team is here to help every step of the way.
Get in touch with us today for a free, no-obligation consultation - and let's get your move moving.
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