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Home Buying and Selling Reform Roadmap

22 June 2026

Proposing MP
Greenwich and Woolwich
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The government is announcing reforms to improve the home buying and selling process in the UK.

Action Requested

The government has published a roadmap outlining reforms to reduce delays, cut costs, and prevent failed transactions. These include mandatory sales packs with key information for buyers, raising industry standards, digital property logbooks, and earlier binding agreements. The measures aim to support first-time buyers and improve market confidence.

Key Facts

  • Government's reforms will reduce homebuying times by around four weeks.
  • First-time buyers are set to save more than £200 million a year.
  • Current process takes around 120 days on average, with one in three transactions failing.
  • Sellers and estate agents must prepare sales packs providing key information upfront.
  • New Code of Practice will be introduced for estate agents.
  • Consultation on mandatory qualifications for estate agents proposed.
  • Call for evidence to identify data-sharing barriers this year.
  • Smart Data scheme consultation next year.
  • Use of digital identity services and qualified electronic signatures required.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy