Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Gov.UK Housing. Read the original article for full details.

Government Announces Major Reforms to Speed Up Homebuying Process

The UK government has unveiled new rules designed to simplify the homebuying and selling process. The reforms aim to reduce delays, cut costs, and prevent property sales from falling through.

The changes, announced on 18 June 2026 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, introduce several measures to make transactions faster and more transparent. Sellers and estate agents will now be required to provide key information upfront in ‘sales packs’ at the point of listing. These packs will include details on a property’s condition, leasehold costs, and chain status, enabling buyers to make informed decisions earlier in the process.

The reforms also introduce earlier binding agreements to prevent parties from withdrawing from transactions without a legitimate reason. According to the government, these measures are expected to cut homebuying times by around four weeks and save first-time buyers an average of £650.

A new Code of Practice for estate agents is also being introduced, alongside proposals for mandatory qualifications for the sector. The government states that these steps are intended to raise standards and ensure agents are equipped to support efficient transactions.

The government highlights that, on average, a home purchase currently takes around 120 days, with one in three sales falling through. The reforms are intended to address these issues and support a more reliable and efficient housing market.

These changes are relevant for letting agents and inventory clerks, as the new requirements for upfront information and improved transaction processes may impact how property details are collected, verified, and shared during sales and lettings.