Finally! Some good news for buyers and sellers is on the way.
Admist the headlines about by-elections and battles for number 10.
This little beauty seems to be shirking the mainstream press!
The government has announced a roadmap to fix some of the biggest issues encountered by buyers and sellers in the UK today.
The reforms make sellers provide full information upfront, introduce earlier binding agreements, digitalise the entire process, professionalise estate agents, and aim to cut delays, fall‑throughs, and costs.
Here’s a clear summary of the changes expected before the end of 2029. At Advantage FS, we’re genuinely pleased to see these reforms taking shape — it’s not often we can say that.
✅ 1. Mandatory Upfront “Sales Packs” at Listing
Sellers and estate agents must provide a full information pack when the property is first listed, not after an offer. This includes:
- Property condition
- Leasehold charges
- Chain position
- Title info
- EPC
- Planning restrictions
- Building safety info
- Flood/environmental data
- Standard searches
- Floor plan
Purpose: Reduce surprises later, cut fall‑throughs, and allow conveyancers to start work immediately.
✅ 2. Earlier Binding Agreements
The government will introduce binding commitments earlier in the process, preventing buyers or sellers from pulling out late without a legitimate reason.
Impact:
- Fewer collapsed sales (currently 1 in 3)
- More certainty for both parties
✅ 3. Digitalisation of the Entire Process
A major shift to digital tools, including:
- Digital property logbooks
- Electronic sales packs
- Digital ID verification
- E‑signatures
- AI‑assisted conveyancing
- Real‑time transaction tracking (similar to the Netherlands)
Impact:
- Faster communication
- Less duplication
- Reduced fraud
- Buyers and sellers can track progress live
✅ 4. Mandatory Qualifications & New Code of Practice for Estate Agents
Estate agents will be required to:
- Hold professional qualifications
- Follow a new statutory Code of Practice
- Put an end to the horrble practice of ‘condtional selling’
Purpose: Improve professionalism, consistency, and consumer trust.
✅ 5. Reduced Transaction Times
The reforms aim to:
- Cut average completion time by around four weeks
- Reduce fall‑throughs by up to 50%
✅ 6. Lower Costs for Buyers (Especially First‑Time Buyers)
First‑time buyers are expected to save around £650 on average.
✅ 7. Greater Transparency for Consumers
The government will publish information on:
- Quality of service from estate agents
- Conveyancer performance
We’re looking forward to seeing them implemented. Some of the challenges our clients have faced over the years would have been avoided entirely under this new system.
here’s a link to the official government statement.
