Home buying and selling reform roadmap
The majority of measures in the roadmap will apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. As there is a distinct framework in place in Scotland, on the whole the proposals will not apply there but will be reviewed and applied on a case-by-case basis.
The reforms have been developed in collaboration with industry and will be implemented gradually, building on action government and industry has taken to digitalise home moving. The main proposals include:
Introduce legislation to require the preparation of ‘sales packs’ prior to listing, including searches and a property condition report. In anticipation of legislation the UK Government will work with industry to identify ‘sales pack’ information that can be voluntarily provided now to support more efficient transactions and help the sector adjust.
UK Government has committed to publishing a non-statutory Code of Practice setting out minimum best practice standards
The UK Government will to consult on introducing mandatory qualifications for estate and letting agents as well as appropriate arrangements for experienced property agents.
Read the Home buying and selling reform roadmap on GOV.UK →
We will continue to advocate for a fair and flexible private rented sector that works for all. Ensuring the court system is properly resourced and that possession grounds are workable remains critical to the success of the reforms. Robust and consistent enforcement by local authorities is also essential. Without it, the intended benefits of the changes risk being lost.
Propertymark is pleased to see the UK Government come forward with a phased roadmap to reform the home buying and selling process. For too long the process has been inefficient, costly and time-consuming. Propertymark data demonstrates that transaction times continue to trend upwards, prompting a sector wide appetite and ambition for much needed reform.
A clear focus on professional standards, digitised and trusted information as well as the appropriate use of binding contracts will help to modernise and speed up home moves. A lack of upfront and timely information is regularly cited as being a major reason for transactional delays and a root cause of costly fall throughs. A phased implementation will ensure the sector has the capability and capacity to support the changes in a managed way.
Member support and representation
Resources and updates
Our FAQ answers the key questions members have asked us about the reforms. As proposals are developed we will continue to created various resources to help agents understand and prepare for the changes. Propertymark Members, double-check your communication preferences to ensure you are receiving newsletters and legislative updates so you stay informed every step of the way.
FAQs: Home Buying and Selling Reforms
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has set out a roadmap of commitments, with reforms coming in late 2026 through to the end of the Parliamentary term in 2029, which includes new legislation, consultations, and a Charter for property professionals.
UK Government consultations
In 2025, the UK Government consulted on proposals for a home buying and selling system fit for the future, including potential measures to: clarify legal requirements for upfront information, professionalise estate agents and improve data accessibility and reliability.
To support property listings the UK Government also consulted on how UK Government issued guidance can support estate agents with their legal responsibility to provide potential buyers with relevant information (material information) during residential property transactions, as well as views on what should be considered material information for buyers.
Digital Property Market Steering Group
A coalition of government and industry partners formed to work together and drive crucial transformation in the land and property market. The group’s purpose is to help the property market work better for all by accelerating the adoption of digital technology, while ensuring it is transparent, secure and consumer friendly, through collaboration and innovation across the sector.
Propertymark is a member of the strategy steering group which is empowered for strategic decisions and recommendations for legislative or regulatory change, and we lead the Digital Upfront Information delivery group.
Home Buying and Selling Council
Propertymark is a member of the steering group of the Home Buying and Selling Council (HBSC) which works with government, professional and trade bodies, regulators, redress schemes, Ombudsman and industry leaders to identify barriers, share data, and support initiatives that make home moving more transparent, efficient, and trusted.
