What the Government’s Proposed Home Buying Reforms Could Mean for You

 

A Perspective from MJP Conveyancing

(Reflecting on the Government’s Home Buying and Selling Reform Consultation)

Buying a home has long been known as a slow, stressful, and unpredictable process. According to the Government’s recent consultation, the average home purchase now takes approximately one hundred and twenty days to complete, with one in three transactions falling through before reaching the finish line.

In response, the Government has unveiled a series of proposals aimed at modernising and speeding up the home buying process. But what do these changes mean for you as a homebuyer? And how do we, as a specialist conveyancing firm, see the future of property transactions evolving?

At MJP Conveyancing, our team of thirty dedicated professionals handles between one thousand five hundred and two thousand residential property transactions annually across England and Wales. We have taken a close look at the proposed reforms, and here is what you need to know.

1. More Information Upfront and Fewer Surprises Later

One of the biggest frustrations for homebuyers is discovering major issues with a property late in the process, long after an offer has been accepted and legal work has begun.

The Government proposes requiring sellers to provide a comprehensive pack of upfront information, including:

• Title details
• Property searches
• Condition reports
• Leasehold specifics
• Building safety information

What This Means for You

• You will have a clearer picture of the property before making an offer.
• Fewer transactions will fall through, saving you time and money.
• With fewer surprises, the process will be less stressful and more predictable.

Our View

This is a positive step, but its success depends on the quality and reliability of the information provided. To make this work, we need:

• Higher training standards for estate agents and surveyors.
• Robust digital tools to manage and share data.
• Clear rules to ensure data accuracy.

Without these foundations, upfront information packs could repeat the issues seen with the failed Home Information Packs initiative years ago. However, with the right infrastructure, this reform could be transformative.

2. Higher Professional Standards Across the Industry

The Government plans to introduce mandatory qualifications and a Code of Practice for estate agents and potentially other property professionals.

What This Means for You

• A more consistent level of service.
• Fewer delays caused by incomplete or incorrect information.
• Better communication and clearer expectations throughout the process.

Our View

We strongly support raising standards. As specialist conveyancers, we see daily how poor quality agency work can create unnecessary delays. Improving competency will benefit everyone, especially buyers, who often bear the brunt of slow or inaccurate processes.

3. Digital Property Logbooks and Packs

The Government envisions digital property logbooks, essentially a lifelong digital record of a property, as a key part of the reforms.

What This Means for You

• Faster access to key property information.
• More accuracy and transparency.
• A smoother experience if you decide to sell the property in the future.
• Less paperwork, with secure and standardised digital records.

Our View

We welcome this innovation. However, digitalisation must be consistent and secure across the entire market. Technology should support, not replace, professional judgment.

4. Making Transactions More Binding Earlier

The Government is considering introducing binding conditional contracts, which would commit both buyer and seller earlier in the process, similar to the system in Scotland.

What This Means for You

• More certainty once your offer is accepted.
• Reduced risk of gazumping or last minute withdrawal.
• Clearer timelines for completing the transaction.

Our View

While we see the advantages, buyers must have access to fully verified information before being bound by any agreement. Without reliable upfront data, early binding contracts could create more problems than they solve.

5. Streamlining Anti Money Laundering and Identity Checks

Currently, buyers face repeated Anti Money Laundering and identity checks from multiple parties. The reforms aim to simplify this process.

What This Means for You

• Fewer repetitive checks.
• Faster onboarding at the start of the transaction.
• A smoother and less frustrating experience.

Our View

This change is long overdue. A single, trusted verification process that all parties can rely on would significantly reduce early stage delays.

6. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Home Buying

One of the most exciting and potentially disruptive elements of the reforms is the recognition that Artificial Intelligence is already transforming conveyancing. At the recent Society of Licensed Conveyancers Conference, it became clear that Artificial Intelligence is being used for:

• Document analysis.
• Completing standard forms.
• Highlighting missing information.
• Drafting standard enquiries.
• Checking title registers.
• Managing workflows and reminders.

Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Conveyancers?

Not anytime soon.

• Lenders still require a regulated, insured professional to oversee transactions.
• The legal complexity of titles, covenants, leaseholds, and multi party chains demands human judgment.
• Buyers value the reassurance of working with a professional during one of the biggest transactions of their lives.

What Artificial Intelligence Will Change

Artificial Intelligence will enhance the process behind the scenes by:

• Speeding up turnaround times.
• Reducing manual errors.
• Providing quicker responses to routine queries.
• Offering more consistent updates for clients.
• Lowering administrative backlogs.
• Making timelines more predictable.

Our View

Artificial Intelligence presents an enormous opportunity. Firms that embrace it will deliver faster, more transparent, and more cost effective conveyancing. However, the role of a conveyancer, particularly in complex or high risk transactions, will remain essential. Artificial Intelligence will enhance the profession, not replace it.

7. What Does All This Mean for You as a Homebuyer?

If the reforms move forward as proposed, you can expect:

• Faster Transactions: Artificial Intelligence, upfront information, and better training will reduce delays.
• More Certainty: Earlier binding agreements and better information will reduce fall throughs.
• More Transparency: Digital property packs and performance data will give you more control and confidence.
• Fewer Hidden Surprises: Upfront property details and automated checks will surface issues earlier.
• A Better Overall Experience: Improved communication, fewer complications, and more clarity will make buying a home far less stressful.

MJP Conveyancing’s Final Thoughts

We believe these reforms represent a major opportunity to modernise the home buying process. However, getting it right will require:

• Higher professional competency across the sector.
• Modern digital infrastructure, supported by government investment.
• Safe, responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence.
• Clear data standards and interoperability.
• Support for smaller firms to adopt new technology.

The system is not broken, but it is under supported. With the right training, technology, and standards, we can create a faster, more efficient, and more reliable conveyancing journey for every homebuyer.

At MJP Conveyancing, we are already embracing many of these innovations, and we are excited to see how the next five years transform the home moving experience.