Potential reforms may require property sellers and real estate agents to disclose more details when listing a home for sale, which could lessen the need for buyers to conduct searches and surveys. Early introduction of binding contracts might also be implemented to decrease the likelihood of a chain breaking down. The proposals aim to provide consumers with clearer information about estate agents and conveyancers, including their experience and performance, alongside new compulsory qualifications and a code of practice to enhance standards. Housing Secretary Steve Reed stated that these proposals, currently under consultation, are intended to turn “a simple dream into a simple reality.” The Government plans to outline a comprehensive plan in the upcoming year after reviewing its proposals. Mr. Reed remarked: “Purchasing a home should be a dream, not a nightmare. Our reforms will repair the flawed system so that hardworking individuals can concentrate on the next phase of their lives.” Officials estimate that the proposed reforms could reduce the time to purchase a new home by about a month and save first-time buyers an average of £710. However, sellers might incur additional costs of approximately £310 due to the requirement for upfront assessments and surveys. Those involved in a chain could potentially save £400 overall, as the increased selling costs would be offset by reduced buying expenses. The Government suggested that broader adoption of online processes, such as digital ID, could streamline transactions, citing Finland’s digital real estate system, which can complete the process in roughly two weeks. The consultation also considers other systems, like Scotland’s, where more information is provided upfront and contracts are binding earlier. The proposed changes received support from property websites and lenders. Rightmove CEO Johan Svanstrom commented: “The home-moving process involves many fragmented parts, with too much uncertainty and cost. Speed, connected data, and simplicity for stakeholders should be key objectives. We believe it’s crucial to listen to agents, the experts, on what practical changes will be most effective, and we look forward to collaborating with the Government to enhance the buying and selling process.” Zoopla’s leader Paul Whitehead noted: “The UK’s homebuying process is still too lengthy, complex, and uncertain, with less digital innovation compared to other sectors.” Santander’s head of homes, David Morris, remarked: “In an era where technology has transformed many processes, it’s astonishing that homebuying – a fundamental economic activity – remains largely unchanged from previous generations.” Nationwide’s group director of mortgages, Henry Jordan, stated: “Homebuying is often complicated and stressful, which is why the process needs to be simplified and streamlined for consumers, brokers, and lenders. To address this issue effectively, collaboration is essential. We look forward to working closely with the Government and the broader industry to modernize the homebuying process, providing buyers with earlier certainty and reducing unnecessary costs.” Conservative shadow housing minister Paul Holmes commented: “While we support efforts to digitize and expedite the process, there is a risk of recreating the previous Labour Government’s unsuccessful Home Information Packs, which decreased the number of homes for sale and duplicated costs for buyers and sellers.”