The UK government has announced plans to consult on major reforms to the home buying and selling process in England and Wales, with the aim of tackling long-standing issues of delay, complexity, and uncertainty.
The proposals signal an intention to make the process more efficient through increased digitisation, improved transparency, and stronger consumer protections. However, while many in the property sector welcome the potential for faster transactions, some also caution that new requirements could bring additional costs to sellers at the outset.
Aiming for a Faster, More Transparent System
Government representatives have highlighted the need to modernise the current home-moving process, which is often described as slow, expensive, and prone to failure. Greater use of technology , including digital property logbooks, electronic data sharing, and AI-assisted conveyancing, is expected to improve record accuracy and speed up transactions.
Industry leaders have widely welcomed this focus on efficiency. Rightmove’s chief executive, Johan Swanstrom, described the reforms as an opportunity to “drive forward much-needed change,” noting that buyers and sellers currently face an average of seven months to complete a move. He emphasised that “speed, connected data and simplicity” should be the key priorities.
Professional Standards and Consumer Confidence
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, expressed support for the government’s renewed commitment to digitisation and professionalism, calling for “mandatory professional qualifications for property agents” to help raise standards and build public trust.
He added that reforms must be “evidence-based and informed by those who understand the realities of the sector,” ensuring that any new measures are practical and proportionate for agents and their clients alike.
Legal and Conveyancing Improvements
The Law Society’s vice-president, Mark Evans, welcomed the prospect of reform but urged a “whole-system” approach. He stressed the need for better communication between conveyancers, agents, and buyers, along with earlier instruction of legal representatives to reduce duplication and delays.
He also supported calls for estate agents to be regulated and for greater transparency in property chains, suggesting that technology can play a valuable role provided it remains accessible to firms of all sizes.
A Digital Future: Logbooks and Upfront Information
Nigel Walley, chair of the Residential Logbook Association, noted that digital property logbooks could become a “central tool” in every transaction, providing clarity and security for homebuyers. He argued that newbuild properties could lead the way in adopting such systems, which are already in use across parts of Europe.
Other voices, including industry consultants and proptech leaders, have echoed the call for a more digital-first, joined-up process, one that gives buyers and sellers better access to upfront information and reduces uncertainty throughout the transaction.
Balancing Progress with Cost Implications
While these changes are expected to streamline processes and reduce completion times in the long run, industry experts have cautioned that the move towards greater upfront information, such as legal packs at the point of listing , could mean higher initial costs for sellers.
For agents and landlords, this means being prepared to guide clients through a more front-loaded system, where costs are incurred earlier but the likelihood of delays or fall-throughs may decrease.
What It Means for the EMPO Community
For EMPO’s landlord, letting agent, and estate agent members, the reforms present both opportunities and challenges. Faster, more reliable transactions could benefit all parties involved, but the sector will need to adapt to new digital standards, qualifications, and potentially higher setup costs.
EMPO will continue to monitor developments and provide updates and guidance as the consultation process unfolds, ensuring members are well-informed and ready to navigate the changing landscape of property transactions.