Positive change may finally be on the horizon for anyone looking to buy or sell a home. A senior government official overseeing the UK’s homebuying and selling reform programme has indicated that the first major building blocks of change could be in place within the next year.

Two key Government consultations, set to close on 29th December, are expected to shape what many hope will become a more transparent, more efficient property market.

Victoria Latham, Deputy Director for Housing at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and chair of the Digital Property Market Steering Group, shared her optimism during a panel debate hosted by Santander in central London. The event focused on the lender’s recent report into resolving what it calls Britain’s “broken conveyancing chain”.

The findings were stark:

• A quarter of UK adults attempting to buy a home have experienced a fall-through.
• Failed transactions cost the economy £1.5 billion a year.
• Each failed attempt costs movers around £1,240.
• And almost a third of previous movers are reluctant to enter the market again due to the stress involved.

Latham was joined by David Morris, Head of Homes at Santander, and Angela Hesketh from the Open Data Property Association and PEXA. Together, they highlighted the urgent need for a clearer, more aligned process across the entire property sector.

When asked what progress she would like to see within the next 12 months, Latham set out a focused vision:

“I would like to see clear guidance published on upfront information that people are using, plus a clear, understood, published roadmap of where we are going.”

Angela Hesketh echoed this, calling for a “trusted framework” that provides structure and certainty for all players in the property industry.

Upfront Information: Back on the Table

Unsurprisingly, the question of upfront information, long a point of debate, featured prominently. Many still remember the challenges of the Home Information Packs (HIPs) introduced between 2007 and 2010, a reform that struggled due to resistance from both sellers and agents.

This time, however, the approach appears more measured. Latham emphasised that reforms do not need to solve everything at once:

“If you try and do everything at once, it feels like a knee-jerk shock. We need to take people on a journey of transparency and education… everyone is going to have to move a bit.”

A Process Long Overdue for Reform

David Morris from Santander summarised the shared industry sentiment:

“The homebuying process in the UK has long been in need of fundamental reform. Over half a million transactions fail every year, causing huge financial and emotional strain.”

He welcomed the formation of the Open Property Coalition, describing it as an important step towards modernising the market through better data, clearer communication, and smarter technology.

Morris believes the right reforms could bring meaningful benefits:

• More transparency
• Reduced fall-through rates
• A smoother experience for buyers and sellers
• A more efficient market overall

These are improvements that the entire sector, professionals and consumers alike, have been calling for.

What This Means for You

At Boydens, we understand just how stressful moving home can be. These proposed reforms aim to remove many of the long-standing frustrations faced by buyers and sellers. While change won’t come overnight, the next 12 months could see the beginning of a clearer, more reliable moving process.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling and want expert support from a team who stays ahead of industry change, we’re here to help.

Speak to your local Boydens property expert today and let us guide you through your next move with confidence.