July 2026 blog
Big Changes Could Be Coming to Buying and Selling Homes – Here's What You Need to Know
Buying or selling a home has never been known for being quick or straightforward. In fact, despite all the technology available today, the average property transaction actually takes longer than it did twenty years ago.
That's why the Government has announced plans to reform the home buying and selling process. While nothing has been finalised yet, several proposals could make moving home faster, fairer and far less stressful.
Here's a simple breakdown of the key changes being discussed.
Reservation Agreements – Reducing Costly Fall-Throughs
One of the biggest frustrations in property is when a sale falls apart months into the process.
The Government is looking at introducing reservation agreements, where both buyer and seller make an early commitment to the sale. If one party pulls out without a genuine reason, they could be required to compensate the other for the costs they've incurred.
It wouldn't replace exchanging contracts, but it would give buyers and sellers far more confidence that everyone is genuinely committed.
Of course, there will always be valid reasons for a sale not to proceed, such as unexpected survey issues or a collapsing chain. The aim is simply to prevent avoidable fall-throughs caused by someone changing their mind late in the process.
Raising Standards Across Estate Agency
The reforms also propose a new code of conduct for estate agents, alongside recognised professional qualifications.
Estate agents already follow professional standards, but clearer guidance and formal qualifications could improve consistency across the industry and give buyers and sellers greater confidence in the advice they're receiving.
At AKS, we welcome anything that raises standards and helps clients feel more informed and protected throughout their move.
More Information Available Up Front
Another proposal is to gather more property information before a home even reaches the market.
Ideas include digital property logbooks, property condition reports and legal information being prepared much earlier.
The benefit is obvious: buyers can make better-informed decisions from the outset, helping reduce delays and unexpected surprises later in the transaction.
There are still questions around the cost of preparing this information and ensuring it doesn't discourage people from putting their homes on the market, but the principle of providing more information earlier makes a lot of sense.
Removing Unnecessary Delays
The Government is also looking at reducing duplication throughout the buying process.
A good example is anti-money laundering checks, which are often carried out separately by estate agents, mortgage brokers and solicitors. Simplifying processes like these could reduce both costs and transaction times.
When you consider that today's transactions often take longer than they did two decades ago, despite huge advances in technology, it's clear that change is overdue.
So, What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?
These proposals are still being consulted on, so there will almost certainly be changes before anything becomes law.
However, the overall direction is encouraging. If implemented well, these reforms could lead to:
• Fewer sales falling through
• Faster, more efficient transactions
• Better informed buyers
• Higher professional standards across estate agency
• A less stressful moving experience for everyone
What Can You Do Today? You don't have to wait for new legislation to enjoy many of these benefits.
Choosing an experienced estate agent, instructing your solicitor early and providing as much information as possible from the start can already help your move progress more smoothly.
As these reforms develop, we'll continue to keep you updated and explain what they mean in plain English—so you don't have to read the Government's 50-page consultation document yourself!