Home buying and selling reforms
The UK government is consulting on major changes to the home buying and selling process. Learn more about the proposals and what they mean for solicitors.
The government has launched two consultations on:
Overview of the proposals
The UK government says its proposed conveyancing reforms will make buying and selling homes faster, cheaper and easier.
The reforms are focused on digitising the process and reducing the number of failed transactions.
They would:
- require sellers and estate agents to provide key information about a property upfront. This includes information about the condition of the home, leasehold costs and details of those involved in chains
- give buyers and sellers the option to enter into a binding contract earlier in the process
- expand the use of digital tools. This includes property logbooks, digital ID verification and data-sharing platforms
- introduce mandatory qualifications and a Code of Practice for estate, letting and managing agents
The government would also publish information for consumers about the quality of services provided by estate agents, property solicitors and conveyancers.
Our view
We welcome the UK government’s commitment to improving home buying and selling.
To improve the conveyancing process, we support:
- greater transparency in property chains
- regulation of estate agents
- early instruction of solicitors and conveyancers
- joined-up technology that is accessible to firms of all sizes
For any reforms to succeed, the government must listen to solicitors and conveyancers, who are at the heart of buying and selling homes.
The government appears willing to tackle issues across different parts of the process. We agree this may be an effective way to achieve reform without damaging the housing market.
“We know that many feel the conveyancing process is slow and complicated,” said our vice-president, Mark Evans.
“It can also be confusing as to who should be doing what, and there is the risk of duplication of effort.
“Information is often not available as quickly or as easily as it should be.
“Making the right reforms would help address all of these issues.”
What we’re doing
In November, we conducted a survey and focus groups with our members. Thank you to everyone who took part.
We are using your feedback to develop responses to both of the government’s consultations.
Our relationships with government help us influence change on your behalf. With your experience and expertise behind us, we can make sure the government gets these reforms right.
We also encourage you to respond to the consultations directly:
Both consultations close on 29 December. The government will publish a roadmap with information on next steps in the first half of 2026.
We are working hard to meet the government’s tight deadlines, but this won’t be the end of the conversation.
As the reforms evolve, you can expect us to remain a steadfast advocate for our members’ interests.
We will continue to update this page with the latest developments and opportunities to have your say.
Bookmark the page in your web browser or My LS account to stay up to date.
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