Big changes are coming to the way homes are bought and sold in England and Wales. The government has unveiled major plans to reform the house-buying system, with the goal of making transactions faster, cheaper, and less stressful.
The proposals aim to tackle some of the biggest frustrations sellers face: long delays, unexpected costs, and deals collapsing at the last minute.
At Hattons Estate Agents, we’ve read these plans with interest and we’re pleased to say that we’ve already been doing many of the things the government now wants to make standard practice. That means if you’re selling with us, you’re already ahead of the curve.
What the Government Is Proposing
The reforms are designed to create a clearer, more reliable property market. Key proposals include:
- More upfront property information
Sellers and agents will be legally required to provide essential details about a home before it’s marketed — including its condition, leasehold charges, planning history, and position in a chain. - Binding contracts
Buyers and sellers could enter legally binding agreements earlier in the process, reducing the risk of one party pulling out at the last minute. - Lower costs for buyers (and more secure chains)
First-time buyers could save an average of £710, and people buying and selling in a chain could save around £400, as there will be less duplication of surveys and legal work. - Faster completions
Transactions could be up to four weeks quicker, according to government estimates. - Higher professional standards
A mandatory Code of Practice for estate agents and conveyancers is planned, along with clear performance data so buyers and sellers can choose trusted professionals with confidence.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:
“Buying a home should be a dream, not a nightmare. Our reforms will fix the broken system.”
These plans draw inspiration from Scotland, where upfront property information and early binding contracts have reduced failed sales and made the process more reliable.
What This Means If You’re Selling Your Home
For Hattons’ clients, the good news is simple: not much will change for you.
Here’s why:
1. We already collect key information upfront
From day one, we’ve believed that buyers deserve clear, accurate details about your home before they make an offer. That’s why we already ask our sellers to provide documents such as the EPC, planning history, leasehold details, and other key facts before we list a property.
The government is only now catching up with what we’ve always done.
2. Your property will feel more attractive to buyers
Because we already market with honesty and clarity, buyers can make confident offers — reducing the chance of late-stage renegotiations or sales falling through.
3. Less risk of last-minute fall-throughs
If binding contracts are introduced, sellers will benefit from more certainty once an offer is accepted. Combined with our thorough upfront preparation, this could dramatically reduce stress.
4. Quicker sales, fewer delays
Our proactive approach to gathering information already helps speed up the legal process. The new rules should mean the whole market becomes as efficient as we’ve aimed to be from the start.
5. A more professional, regulated industry
We’ve always pushed for higher standards in estate agency, something we’re passionate about changing in the UK market. These reforms are a welcome step toward making selling a home more transparent, professional, and reliable.
Why Hattons Sellers Are Already Ahead
At Hattons Estate Agents, we’ve built our service around transparency and preparation because we know it makes moving house simpler and less stressful. These reforms mean other agents will now have to catch up but our sellers won’t need to change a thing.
While some agents may now need to rethink how they operate, our clients can relax knowing we’ve been future-proofing the process from day one.
Thinking of Selling? Let’s Get You Market-Ready
If you’re considering selling your home, you’re in safe hands with Hattons. We’ll:
- Collect and present all the right information upfront (as we already do).
- Market your property creatively to attract the right buyers.
- Keep your sale moving swiftly and reduce the risk of delays or fall-throughs.
Ready to sell with confidence?
Contact Hattons Estate Agents today we’re already ahead of the curve, so your sale won’t be slowed down by the upcoming changes.