Government plans to reduce the time it takes for home buying and selling

The government claims that millions will benefit from planned improvements to the home buying and selling process.

In a statement issued yesterday, it announced plans to modernise the system and reduce the current delays, which average nearly five months.

Key reforms include making essential property information more accessible, streamlining data-sharing between trusted professionals, and advancing digital identity services to speed up transactions. By ensuring key details are available from the outset, the risk of unexpected issues arising later in the process will be significantly reduced. This will help more people get onto the property ladder, minimise the need for in-person ID verification, and lower the number of failed transactions.

Currently, one in three property transactions collapses, costing buyers and sellers an estimated £400 million annually. Additionally, conveyancers and estate agents lose four million working days each year, equating to a £1 billion cost to the industry.

The government highlights that much of the essential data—such as building control and highways information—is still paper-based or stored in non-machine-readable formats. Even when digital records exist, there are no standardised protocols for accessing or verifying them, contributing to further delays.

Under a fully digitalised system, all necessary information—used by mortgage providers, surveyors, and other key parties—would be instantly accessible, with identity verification completed once at the start. Having clear information early in the process would prevent last-minute surprises, reducing the risk of transactions falling through and saving time, money, and effort.

The statement also points to international examples, such as Norway, where property transactions are completed in around a month. By embracing digital transformation, the government aims to put more money back into people’s pockets and drive economic growth.

To support these changes, the government, in partnership with HM Land Registry (HMLR), is launching a 12-week initiative to establish standardised data-sharing protocols across the property sector. HMLR will also expand its efforts to digitise property records and lead 10-month pilot programmes with various councils to explore the best methods for opening up and digitising local authority data. Meanwhile, plans for digital identity verification services—including for property transactions—will continue to move forward.

Additionally, the government has confirmed that secondary legislation for the Right to Manage measures under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 will be brought before Parliament next week. These reforms, set to take effect on March 3rd, will make it easier for leaseholders to take control of their buildings. They will gain greater influence over service charges and will no longer be required to cover their freeholder’s legal fees when making a Right to Manage claim—potentially saving up to £3,000 per case and reducing opportunities for landlords to obstruct the process.

Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said “We are modernising the outdated home buying process to make it more efficient, helping homebuyers save money, time, and stress while also reducing the number of failed transactions.

“These reforms complement our broader efforts to improve the lives of leasehold homeowners by giving them greater control over their properties and tackling unfair charges.

“Together, these changes support the government’s Plan for Change—delivering higher living standards, 1.5 million safe and decent homes this Parliament, and working towards ending the outdated leasehold system for good.”

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