Key takeaways
- The government published its home buying and selling reform roadmap on 19 June 2026.
- Sellers and agents will be expected to provide key information upfront in a sales pack, with legislation to follow.
- Binding conditional contracts are planned, so deals become harder to pull out of once an offer is accepted.
- The government estimates the changes could cut about four weeks from a typical move.
- Nothing changes the legal process today, so instructing a solicitor early is still the best way to avoid delays.
What has the government announced?
On 19 June 2026 the government published its home buying and selling reform roadmap, following its consultation on the home moving process. The aim is to make buying and selling in England faster, cheaper and more certain, with fewer sales falling through.
The home buying reforms are being phased in. Some steps are voluntary and start now. The biggest changes need new legislation, which the government plans to bring forward before the end of this Parliament.
Upfront information in a sales pack
At the moment, much of the information a buyer needs only arrives after an offer is accepted. Under the plans, sellers and their agents will gather it before a home is listed, in a sales pack. This is expected to include:
- Property searches
- Information on the condition of the home
- Leasehold costs, such as service charges and ground rent
- The status of the seller’s chain
For now, the industry is being encouraged to provide this information voluntarily. Making sales packs compulsory will need legislation.
Binding conditional contracts
The roadmap plans binding conditional contracts, so a sale becomes legally binding much earlier, with a financial penalty for pulling out without a valid reason. The details, including how penalties work, are due to be worked out with the industry in 2027 and 2028. In the meantime, reservation agreements are being encouraged.
Digital logbooks, ID checks and e-signatures
The government wants more of the process to be digital, including property logbooks that hold a home’s key documents, digital identity checks and qualified electronic signatures. It also aims for a fully digital land register by 2035.
New standards for estate agents
A code of practice for property agents is planned for 2026, followed by a consultation on mandatory qualifications for agents in 2027 to 2028.
When will the changes happen?
| When | What’s planned |
|---|---|
| Now (2026) | Guidance on property listings, voluntary sales packs and reservation agreements, and a code of practice for agents |
| Next (2027 to 2028) | A charter for professionals, a consultation on agent qualifications, and work on penalties for binding contracts |
| Later (by the end of this Parliament) | Legislation for compulsory sales packs, binding contracts and digital standards |
What it means for Kent buyers and sellers now
The main home buying reforms are still some way off, so the process you will use in 2026 is the current one. You can still get many of the benefits now:
- Sellers: instruct a solicitor when you list, and gather your title deeds, guarantees, planning and building regulations papers, and any leasehold pack early.
- Buyers: get a mortgage in principle and instruct a solicitor the day your offer is accepted.
- Everyone: local authority search times vary between Kent’s district councils, so ordering searches on day one makes a real difference.
Read more in our guide on when to instruct a conveyancing solicitor.
FAQs
Home buying reforms: FAQs
Are the home buying reforms law yet?
No. The June 2026 roadmap sets out the plan. Some voluntary measures start now, but compulsory sales packs and binding contracts need new legislation later in this Parliament.
Will sellers have to provide a sales pack?
That is the plan. Sellers and their agents would gather searches, condition information, leasehold costs and chain details before listing. The final rules, including costs, have not been set yet.
Will binding contracts stop buyers pulling out?
They are designed to reduce pull-outs after an offer is accepted, with a financial penalty for withdrawing without a valid reason. The details are due to be agreed with the industry in 2027 and 2028.
Should I wait for the reforms before moving?
There is no need. The main changes are years away, and you can avoid most delays now by preparing documents early and instructing a solicitor straight away.
Related
Related guides
Official sources on the home buying reforms: Home buying and selling reform roadmap (GOV.UK) · Buying or selling your home (GOV.UK) · HM Land Registry
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