Home Buying Revolution – And It’s Good News for All of Us

The government has announced a huge shake-up of how we buy and sell homes – and I think it’s a significant breakthrough.

Many of the changes myself, and many others in the industry, have been calling for in recent years look like they’re going to happen.

Let me take you through the key points of reforms that should be introduced over the next three years.

Property Sales Pack

Firstly, sellers and estate agents will be expected to provide upfront sales packs as soon as a home is marketed.

The best agents ask sellers to prepare exactly this already, but once the changes are enacted, it’s going to be mandatory for every home on sale.

The pack will spell out the property condition, service charges and ground rent, and whether the property is part of a chain – that is, whether the sellers are buying elsewhere, or whether it’s a chain free sale.

Binding agreements

Currently, a buyer or seller can change their mind about a purchase, right up until just before the exchange of contracts. Late pull-outs lead to heartbreak and wasted money for the other party.

So the government wants mandatory binding agreements between buyers and sellers much earlier in the sales process to stop this from happening.

Digital revolution

This sounds dry, but it’s possibly the most important proposal.

The government has recognised that a lot of the delays in current house buying are caused by the to-and-fro of documents between agents, surveyors, local councils and of course, solicitors. To make things even slower, many of these documents are still on paper rather than online.

Now the government wants a step change to make these documents digital and open to all the parties involved – sellers, buyers and their agents and solicitors. Everyone can check as the transaction progresses.

The government will also back digital identity checks for buyers, electronic signatures and the use of AI to speed up deals.

Better-qualified agents

Another proposal is to make it compulsory for agents to pass qualifications and to adhere to a code of practice.

Propertymark, the professional body for the property sector, already encourages its members to undertake rigorous exams for both sales and lettings, but the government is going a step further and making them mandatory for all agents.

Until now, frankly, almost anyone could set up as an agent, so qualifications are long overdue.

What’s next?

So far, so good – in fact, very good indeed.

For as long as I’ve worked in property, one of the biggest frustrations I’ve heard from buyers and sellers is that the process simply doesn’t work as well as it should.

It can be slow, stressful and uncertain, with too many transactions falling through after months of time, effort and expense.

I welcome these proposals – they address many of the issues consumers have been grappling with for years, from a lack of upfront information to unnecessary delays and last-minute surprises.

Giving people a clearer picture from the outset and creating greater certainty throughout the transaction process can only be a positive step.

These have the potential to make moving home a far better experience for everyone involved.

Having spent decades at the heart of the housing market, I’ve seen first-hand the emotional and financial toll that a failed transaction can take.

Anything that helps buyers and sellers move with greater confidence and fewer obstacles is to be applauded.

But let me manage expectations as to the timescale.

These revolutionary changes will take time – probably three years, maybe more – to be fully introduced.

In the meantime

Until then, we have to work with the existing system.

For all its many faults, there are ways I believe buyers and sellers can make it work quicker, smoother and less stressfully for everyone involved.

Here are my five key questions every buyer and seller should ask now… and one golden rule!

1. What issues or costs could arise after I move in?

Buyers should ask:

• Have there been any structural issues, repairs, or insurance claims?
• How old are the roof, boiler, windows, and electrics?
• Are there any ongoing maintenance costs I should know about?

Sellers should ask themselves:

• Have I disclosed everything that could affect the buyer’s decision?
• Do I have paperwork ready for any work that’s been carried out?

We advise buyers to do as much research as possible before making an offer and to uncover potential issues early, rather than after completion.

2. Why is the property being sold?

Buyers should ask:

• What is prompting the move?
• Are the sellers actively searching for a new home yet?
• Have they found anything they like? Or offered on anything?
• How quickly does the seller need to complete?

Understanding the seller’s motivation can help buyers gauge flexibility on price and timescales, while sellers should be prepared to answer honestly and clearly.

3. What is happening locally that could affect the property’s value or enjoyment?

Buyers should ask:

• Are there any planned developments nearby?
• What are traffic, parking, and noise levels like at different times of day?
• What are local schools, transport links, and amenities like?

We recommend researching the local area thoroughly and visiting at different times to get a true feel for the neighbourhood.

4. Am I genuinely ready to proceed?

Buyers should ask themselves:

• Do I have a mortgage agreement in principle?
• Have I chosen a solicitor?
• Can I move quickly if my offer is accepted?

Sellers should ask themselves:

• Have I instructed a solicitor?
• Do I have all the necessary documentation ready?

We regularly highlight the importance of being “proceedable”. Having finances, paperwork, and professionals lined up to reduce delays and strengthen your position.

5. Is the asking price realistic?

Buyers should ask:

• How does the property compare with similar homes recently sold nearby?
• Does the condition justify the asking price?

Sellers should ask:

• Have I priced my property realistically for current market conditions?
• Am I willing to adjust if feedback suggests the price is too high?

We always stress that accurate pricing is critical. Overpricing can reduce interest and prolong the sale, while informed buyers should always research comparable properties before making an offer.

Move iQ’s golden rule

Ask questions early, do your research thoroughly, and ensure you’re fully prepared before making or accepting an offer.

The more information both parties have at the outset, the smoother and less stressful the transaction is likely to be.

Last Updated: June 19th, 2026