Home buying and selling reform – the detail
Summary
The government has published a roadmap for reforming the home buying and selling process following consultations, with plans for upfront sales packs, digital logbooks, and binding conditional contracts. The programme will be phased, with non-statutory guidance and codes of practice coming first, followed by legislation later in the parliament when time allows.
Why it matters
These reforms could materially change the information available at listing and the timing of due diligence, increasing demand for property condition reporting, searches, and digital transaction support. Surveyors may also see greater involvement in upfront reporting, building safety information, and standardised property condition assessments.
Key points
- Upfront sales packs are proposed to include searches and a property condition report.
- Digital logbooks and digital systems are expected to be embedded in transactions.
- Binding conditional contracts are planned to reduce transaction failures, with safeguards before activation.
- A non-statutory code of practice for estate agents and guidance on material information will be published first.
- The government expects legislation later in the parliament, with phased implementation from immediate guidance onward.
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