Anyone who has bought or sold a home (I’m sure there are a few of you out there) knows the process can be slow, stressful and uncertain. So the government’s announcement in June 2026 of major reforms to the home buying and selling system is welcome news indeed.
The aim of the reforms are simple: to make transactions faster, cheaper and less likely to collapse. And it’s something we’ve felt strongly about for a long time – we’ve actively lobbied for reform in this area going back to the days when Michael Gove was housing secretary. Here’s what’s proposed to change and what it could mean for you.
Why are reforms needed?
The current system simply isn’t working well enough for buyers or sellers.
On average, buying a home takes around 120 days from offer to completion. That’s a long time. Even worse, around one in three sales fall through before they reach the finish line. When a sale collapses, it costs sellers an estimated £400 million a year collectively in wasted legal fees and survey costs – nevermind lost time! It’s thought the chain collapses are are costing the wider economy up to £1.5 billion a year.
This doesn’t take into account the emotional turmoil either. Anyone who has had a sale fall apart weeks into the process knows how deflating and expensive it can be. These reforms are designed to fix a system that has been broken for too long.
So, what’s changing?
There are three main reforms to be aware of.
1. Upfront sales packs
Sellers and estate agents will need to provide key information at the point of listing, rather than buyers discovering issues weeks down the line. These sales packs will set out details like the property’s condition, leasehold costs and chain status.
This way, buyers see the full picture before they commit. It also means conveyancers and surveyors can get to work straight away instead of chasing paperwork. It should mean fewer nasty surprises and a much quicker start to the legal process.
2. Earlier binding agreements
Under the new rules, deals will become legally binding much earlier in the process. There will be financial penalties for anyone who walks away without a legitimate reason.
This is aimed squarely at practices like ‘gazumping’, where a seller accepts a higher offer after already agreeing a sale, and ‘gazundering’, where a buyer drops their offer at the last minute. It should give both parties far more certainty once a deal is agreed. It’s worth noting this change will come after sales packs are established, rather than all at once.
3. Higher standards for estate agents
A new Code of Practice will raise standards across the industry, alongside proposals for mandatory qualifications for estate agents. The goal is to make sure agents are properly equipped to support smooth transactions and to rebuild trust in the sector.
This is a change we genuinely welcome. Higher standards benefit everyone. Clients deserve to know their agent meets a recognised professional benchmark.
When will this happen?
This is a phased roadmap rather than an overnight switch. And changes are still a little while off.
The Code of Practice and improved listing guidance are expected later in 2026, with consultation on agent qualifications and expanded digital tools following from 2027. Full legislation covering sales packs, binding contracts and digital systems is expected by the end of this Parliament.
What it could mean for you?
For sellers, it means a little more preparation upfront – but in return, a far lower chance of your sale collapsing after months of effort.
For buyers, it means more certainty and fewer surprises. The government estimates the reforms could cut around four weeks off the buying process and save first-time buyers an average of £650.
We’re cautiously optimistic. Handled well, this should take a lot of stress out of moving home. Our big hope is that it’s rolled out more smoothly than the Home Information Packs were back in 2007, which promised a lot but fell short. As always, the detail will matter, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on how it develops.
How Roe & Co is already ahead for our clients
The good news for our clients is that much of this simply reflects how we already like to work.
We already encourage sellers to instruct a solicitor early and to gather key information upfront, which prevents unnecessary delays once a buyer is found. Our proactive approach to chasing sales and managing chains already helps reduce the fall-throughs that catch so many people out – something we covered in detail in our recent guide on how long it really takes to buy or sell a home.
Whatever shape these reforms finally take, we’re ready to guide our clients through them with the same personal service and clear communication we’re known for.
Thinking of making a move?
If you’re considering selling, working with an agent who already puts you ahead of the curve makes all the difference. Book your free valuation for honest, expert advice or take a look at our current properties for sale if you’re on the hunt for your next home.
As ever, you can always contact us here.
References
- GOV.UK – Homebuying shake-up to slash delays, cut costs and stop sales falling through (19 June 2026):
- MHCLG – Home Buying and Selling: Reform Roadmap, Hansard, UK Parliament (22 June 2026)
- HM Government consultation response on home buying and selling reform (June 2026)