The Government targets “broken system” in a bid to streamline the residential conveyancing process

Posted Tuesday 7th October 2025

The Government has announced sweeping plans to overhaul the way homes are bought and sold in England and Wales, in a move estimated to save first-time buyers an average of £710 and cut weeks off the process.

Unveiled by Housing Secretary Steve Reed on Monday 6 October, the proposals aim to fix what many see as a slow, stressful and unpredictable system, and has been welcomed by industry professionals. The reforms are part of a wider push to make homeownership more accessible and rebuild trust in the conveyancing system.

What’s being proposed?

At the heart of the proposed reforms is a drive to reduce the time, uncertainty, and cost involved in buying a home. The Government is consulting on a series of measures designed to make the process quicker, clearer, and less stressful, including:

• Key information upfront: Sellers and estate agents will be required to provide key property details at the time of listing, including the condition of the home, leasehold terms, and whether there is a chain involved. This aims to help buyers make more informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises later in the process that can lead to chains collapsing.
• Binding offers: Under the new plans, buyers and sellers could be asked to commit to binding agreements earlier in the process. The intention is that this would reduce the risk of last-minute withdrawals, which currently result in around 1 in 3 property transactions falling through.
• Improved transparency: Buyers will be able to access side-by-side information comparing estate agents and conveyancers, including their experience, qualifications, and success rates. A new Code of Practice and mandatory qualifications are also on the table to raise standards across the industry.

Why it matters

Buying a home in England under the current system can take months and it’s estimated that around one in three sales falls through before completion. It’s hoped that these reforms will reduce both transaction times and failure rates, with the government estimating that up to four weeks could be saved on average as a result of their proposals.

Failed transactions are not just frustrating, they’re expensive and costing the economy around £1.5 billion a year.  For individual buyers, the emotional and financial toll of a transaction not proceeding can also be significant. The government is committing itself to a path of reducing the number of failed transactions by introducing greater transparency and accountability which, it’s hoped, will also drive standards and restore some trust in the system.

A full roadmap of the reforms is expected to be published in early 2026.

What could this mean for you?

If you are considering taking your first steps on the property ladder, moving home or looking to invest, the hope is that these proposals will make your interaction with the conveyancing process more reliable, more cost-effective and less stressful.

Conveyancing solicitors have a significant role to play in driving standards, alongside the government commitments announced this week, and your choice of solicitor can have a real impact on your impression of the conveyancing system.

At Joelson we strive to make what is too often a complicated and lengthy process as transparent and efficient as possible, assisting our clients with clear communication and dedicated service.

For more information or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Richard Showan.

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This article is for reference purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking or deciding not to take any action.

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