Faster house sales could soon become a reality under a major package of Government reforms announced in June 2026. The proposals aim to reduce delays, cut costs and lower the number of property transactions that fall through before completion.
Now, the Government has announced a major package of proposed reforms designed to make the process faster, more transparent and less likely to fall apart at the last minute.
The plans, unveiled on 18th June 2026, aim to reduce delays, cut costs and give buyers and sellers greater certainty throughout the moving process.
But what exactly is changing, and what could it mean for homeowners?
Why Is the Government Looking to Reform the System?
For many people, moving home is one of the most stressful experiences they will ever face.
Currently, a typical property transaction in England can take around four to six months from offer acceptance to completion. During that time, buyers and sellers can spend significant amounts on surveys, legal fees and mortgage arrangements, only for the sale to collapse before contracts are exchanged.
The Government estimates that around one-third of agreed property sales fall through before completion, costing buyers and sellers hundreds of millions of pounds every year.
The new reforms are intended to tackle many of the issues that cause delays, uncertainty and failed transactions.
1. More Information Available Before a Property Is Marketed
One of the biggest proposed changes is the introduction of upfront “Sales Packs”.
These packs would provide key information about a property before it is advertised, rather than weeks or months into the transaction.
The information could include:
- Property title information
- Property condition details
- Leasehold information and costs (where applicable)
- Search information
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) details
- Council tax information
- Chain position
The aim is simple: buyers should be able to make better-informed decisions before making an offer, reducing the likelihood of unexpected problems emerging later.
For sellers, this could mean fewer delays and a smoother route to completion.
2. Earlier Commitment from Buyers and Sellers
Under the current system in England, either party can usually withdraw from a transaction at any point before exchange of contracts.
This is why issues such as gazumping and gazundering continue to occur.
The Government is proposing earlier binding agreements, meaning buyers and sellers would become committed much sooner in the process.
While the exact details are still being developed, the intention is to reduce the number of sales that collapse after months of legal work and negotiation.
For many buyers and sellers, this could provide greater certainty and confidence once an offer has been agreed.
3. How Could the Reforms Deliver Faster House Sales?
Another key part of the reform programme is increased digitalisation.
The Government wants to make greater use of:
- Digital property records
- Digital identity verification
- Electronic signatures
- Secure information sharing between professionals
- Digital property logbooks
At present, buyers and sellers are often asked to provide the same information multiple times to estate agents, solicitors, lenders and mortgage brokers.
A more connected digital system could significantly reduce duplication and administrative delays.
The Government believes these changes could cut average transaction times by around four weeks.
4. Higher Standards Across the Industry
The reform package also includes plans for a new Code of Practice for estate agents, alongside consultation on future professional qualifications.
The goal is to improve consistency, professionalism and consumer confidence across the property sector.
For buyers and sellers, this should help ensure clearer communication and better standards of service throughout the transaction.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
Although these reforms will not happen overnight, they signal a clear direction of travel for the property industry.
The focus is on:
- Better information upfront
- Fewer surprises during conveyancing
- Faster transactions
- Reduced fall-through rates
- Greater certainty for buyers and sellers
If implemented successfully, the changes could help create a smoother and less stressful moving experience for everyone involved.
What Does It Mean for Sellers Today?
Interestingly, many of the principles behind these reforms are already being adopted by forward-thinking estate agents and conveyancers.
Preparing key property information early, ensuring compliance documents are available from the outset and making properties “sale ready” before marketing can already help reduce delays and improve the chances of a successful completion.
While the Government’s proposals are still being developed, one thing is clear: the future of home moving is likely to involve more transparency, better preparation and greater certainty from day one.
Thinking of Moving in 2026?
Whether you’re planning to buy, sell or simply want to understand how these changes could affect your next move, our team at Hockeys is here to help.
For expert advice on the local property market across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk get in touch with your nearest Hockeys office today.