The government has announced a major consultation into the home-moving process, aiming to make buying and selling property in England simpler, faster, and less stressful — music to our ears here at Bowdens! Here’s a breakdown of what’s being discussed, and how it could benefit both buyers and sellers.
The Key Points
-The government wants to speed up and simplify the current moving process.
– First-time buyers could save hundreds of pounds in moving costs.
– The average transaction time could reduce by around a month.
– The aim is also to cut fall-throughs by making sales potentially legally binding earlier on.
Proposed Changes;
1️⃣ Searches and Surveys Available Before a Listing Goes Live.
Currently, searches and surveys happen after an offer is accepted — often costing buyers hundreds of pounds. The proposal would shift these costs to sellers, allowing buyers to access key property information right from the viewing stage. This transparency could help everyone make quicker, more informed decisions.
2️⃣ Sellers Must Provide Key Information Up Front.
Sellers would need to share essential details early, such as: – Service charges – Lease length – Chain position Providing more information from the start could help buyers avoid surprises later on, reducing delays and preventing unnecessary fall-throughs.
3️⃣ Greater Use of Digital Tools.
The average move currently takes around seven months — two spent agreeing a sale, and five in conveyancing. The government hopes to modernise the system through digital property logbooks, online ID checks, and data-sharing platforms to make the process smoother and quicker. Buyers and sellers could even access performance data on conveyancers and estate agents to make more informed choices.
4️⃣ Option for Legally Binding Contracts Earlier.
At present, a sale isn’t legally binding until exchange of contracts. This means either party can withdraw at any point beforehand. The new proposal could introduce binding agreements earlier, giving buyers and sellers more security and fewer wasted costs.
What Does This Mean for the Market?
At Bowdens, we fully support any move that makes home-moving simpler, clearer, and more reliable. As a family-run local agency, we’ve seen first-hand how frustrating delays and uncertainty can be for our clients. If these proposals go ahead, we could see a real shift in how quickly and confidently people can move home — something we’ll be keeping a close eye on.
When Might This Happen?
These changes won’t come overnight. The government plans to publish a full roadmap in early 2026, alongside a public consultation. If you’ve recently bought or sold a home, you can even share your experience and views through their official consultation form.
Our Take Change is coming — and if done right, it could make moving home far less stressful for everyone involved. At Bowdens, we’re all about guiding you through every step of your move, staying ahead of legislation, and ensuring your experience is smooth, transparent, and personal.
Because when it comes to moving, you deserve more than just an agent — you deserve a guide.
📞 Thinking about moving? Book your free valuation today at www.bowdensproperties.co.uk
📍 Based in Cambourne, proudly serving the surrounding villages.