Buying or selling a home could soon become simpler, quicker, and less stressful, thanks to new government plans to modernise the home-moving process.
A public consultation has just launched to explore how property sales can be sped up, costs reduced, and fall-throughs prevented. If the proposals go ahead, they could save buyers hundreds of pounds and cut completion times by up to a month – great news for anyone planning a move in the near future.
Here’s a quick look at what’s being proposed, and how it could make moving home, whether you’re in Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh, or the surrounding Cotswolds, a smoother experience.
1. Searches and surveys available before a property hits the market
What this means:
At the moment, buyers usually pay for searches and surveys only after their offer has been accepted, often spending hundreds of pounds to uncover issues later in the process.
The proposed changes would shift that responsibility to sellers, making this information available upfront. Buyers would be able to see key details before even making an offer, helping them make informed decisions from the start.
In short: fewer surprises, faster decisions, and more confidence on both sides.
2. Sellers sharing more key information early on
What this means:
The idea is for sellers to provide more details about their property right from the outset, things like lease length, service charges, or whether they’re part of a chain.
This helps buyers get a clearer picture before making an offer, reducing the chances of delays or unexpected issues further down the line.
Ultimately, it’s about transparency and trust, giving everyone a better understanding of what they’re committing to.
3. A more digital, data-driven process
What this means:
Moving home currently takes an average of seven months, with much of that time spent in the conveyancing stage.
By introducing digital tools like property logbooks, ID verification, and centralised data sharing, the process could become much faster and far less stressful.
The government is also exploring ways for buyers and sellers to see data on how conveyancers and estate agents perform, helping movers choose trusted professionals with ease.
It’s a step towards a more modern, streamlined way to move home, something we’d all welcome.
4. Option to make sales legally binding earlier
What this means:
Currently, a sale only becomes legally binding at the very end of the process, during the exchange of contracts. This can cause frustration if either party pulls out late in the day.
The proposal would give buyers and sellers the option to make their agreement legally binding earlier, providing much greater certainty and helping reduce the number of fall-throughs.
That means less stress and more confidence once you’ve found the right buyer or your dream home.
What happens next?
These changes won’t happen overnight, but the government plans to publish a full roadmap in early 2026. In the meantime, they’re inviting feedback from anyone who’s been through the buying or selling process.
If these proposals go ahead, they could mark a real turning point for the property market, making the journey from offer to completion faster, fairer, and more transparent for everyone.
At Harrison Hardie, we’ll be keeping a close eye on how these developments unfold. We’re always here to help you navigate every step of your move with clarity and confidence, whether you’re selling in Bourton-on-the-Water, buying in Moreton-in-Marsh, or moving anywhere across the Cotswolds.
If you’d like to talk through how the proposed changes could affect you, just get in touch with our friendly team – we’re always happy to help.