Labour reveals revolutionary changes to buying, selling and agents
Summary
The government has announced reforms to the home buying process aimed at reducing fall-throughs, shortening transaction times and increasing the use of digital tools. Measures include upfront sales packs, earlier binding agreements, a new Code of Practice for estate agents, mandatory qualifications, and support for digital identity checks, electronic signatures and AI-assisted conveyancing.
Why it matters
These changes could materially affect how residential transactions are prepared, marketed and progressed, with implications for surveyors involved in pre-sale information, due diligence and transaction timelines. Surveyors may see greater demand for accurate upfront property information and closer integration with digital conveyancing workflows.
Key points
- Upfront sales packs would be provided at listing, including condition, leasehold costs and chain status.
- Earlier binding agreements are intended to reduce late-stage withdrawal from transactions.
- A new Code of Practice and mandatory qualifications for estate agents are proposed.
- Digital property logbooks, electronic signatures and AI-assisted conveyancing are part of the reform package.
- The government says the changes are designed to cut delays, reduce fraud risk and support faster completions.
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