What you’ll learn
- What the Government is changing about the house buying and selling process.
- Why being prepared before listing your home is becoming increasingly important.
- Which documents and information you should have ready before selling.
- How to use our seller-ready checklist to avoid unnecessary delays.
The Government is changing the house buying process
Anyone who has bought or sold a home in England will know how frustrating the process can be.
You find a buyer, agree on a price and start planning your move. Then come the searches, solicitor enquiries, paperwork and seemingly endless waiting, then it all moves at lightning speed.
Alternatively, after months of preparation, the sale falls through altogether and you’re left feeling deflated.
According to the Government’s June 2026 reform roadmap, the average property transaction takes approximately 120 days to complete after an offer is accepted, while around one in three transactions fail to reach completion.
These delays aren’t just inconvenient. They create uncertainty, increase costs and can have a knock-on effect throughout an entire property chain.
The Government believes much of this could be avoided by changing when and how information is collected. Rather than waiting until a buyer has been found, the aim is to have more information about a property available before it is marketed.
This would allow buyers to make better-informed decisions and help solicitors identify potential problems much earlier.
What’s changing about buying and selling a home?
In June 2026, the Government published its Home Buying and Selling Reform Roadmap, outlining a series of proposed improvements.
The changes will be introduced gradually, with some measures initially encouraged on a voluntary basis.
1. More information available before a property is listed
One of the most significant proposals is to require sellers to prepare a comprehensive property information pack before marketing their home.
These packs could include title information, property searches, details of alterations and a property condition report.
The idea is simple: instead of waiting weeks for information to become available after an offer has been accepted, buyers and solicitors would have access to much of it from the beginning.
2. Less paperwork through digital systems
The Government also wants to reduce repetitive paperwork by encouraging digital property records and better information sharing.
Digital property logbooks could hold important information about a home, including its ownership history, alterations and relevant certificates.
Greater use of digital identity checks and electronic signatures could also reduce the need for buyers and sellers to repeatedly provide the same information to different organisations.
3. Greater commitment from buyers and sellers
Currently, buyers and sellers in England and Wales can generally withdraw from a transaction before contracts are exchanged without automatically facing a contractual penalty.
The Government plans to explore introducing binding conditional contracts earlier in the process.
These would aim to reduce last-minute withdrawals while still allowing transactions to end for legitimate reasons.
4. Clearer standards across the property industry
The roadmap also proposes clearer professional standards for estate agents and other property professionals.
This includes a new Code of Practice, greater transparency and potential mandatory qualifications for estate and letting agents.
When will these changes happen?
The reforms are being introduced in stages. During 2026, the Government plans to encourage earlier preparation and publish guidance. Further work on digital systems and professional standards is scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
Major legal requirements, including mandatory sales packs and binding conditional contracts, are planned for later, subject to legislation.
However, homeowners don’t need to wait for the law to change to benefit from better preparation.
What does being ‘move ready’ actually mean?
Being move ready means having the information, documents and practical arrangements in place to progress a sale as soon as you find a buyer.
Traditionally, homeowners have often started gathering paperwork after accepting an offer, knowing the conveyancing process could take several months.
But as the industry works towards faster transactions, this approach could increasingly become a disadvantage.
For example, a buyer might be ready to proceed, but if the seller hasn’t obtained building regulation certificates for an extension or requested essential leasehold information, the transaction could be delayed unnecessarily.
Getting organised early can help prevent these problems and put you in a stronger position when negotiating with buyers.
Your move-ready checklist: 12 things to do before selling your home
If you’re considering putting your property on the market, use this checklist to help prepare.
Property documents and legal preparation
1. Appoint a conveyancing solicitor early
You don’t have to wait until you’ve accepted an offer. Instructing a solicitor early allows them to begin preparing your file and identify potential issues.
2. Gather proof of identity and ownership
Have your identification, proof of address and relevant ownership documents available. Your solicitor can explain exactly what’s required.
3. Check your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Most properties require a valid EPC when marketed for sale. Check whether yours is still valid and arrange a new assessment if necessary.
4. Locate planning permissions and building regulation certificates
If you’ve extended, renovated or significantly altered your property, gather the relevant permissions, completion certificates and other supporting documents.
5. Find guarantees and warranties
Collect paperwork for replacement windows, damp-proofing, roofing, boilers and other significant improvements, where applicable.
Property information and potential complications
6. Prepare information about your property
Your solicitor will usually ask you to complete property information forms covering boundaries, disputes, alterations, utilities and other relevant matters. Start gathering these details early.
7. Organise leasehold documents, if applicable
If you’re selling a leasehold property, you’ll likely need information about service charges, ground rent, building insurance and management arrangements.
8. Resolve outstanding property issues
Consider whether there are unresolved boundary disputes, missing permissions, maintenance problems or other matters that buyers may raise. Speak to your solicitor about any legal issues.
Financial and practical preparation
9. Understand your mortgage arrangements
Check your outstanding mortgage balance, whether early repayment charges apply and whether you can transfer your mortgage to another property.
10. Establish your moving budget
Account for estate agency fees, legal costs, removals, Stamp Duty Land Tax on your onward purchase where applicable, and other moving expenses.
11. Plan your onward move
If you’re buying another property, consider your mortgage affordability, preferred location, requirements and timescales. Understanding your position can help prevent delays further down the chain.
12. Get your property ready for viewings
Complete minor repairs, declutter and prepare your home for photography and viewings. A well-presented property can help attract buyers and make a positive first impression.
Tip: Keep your property documents together in a secure digital folder, so you can easily share information with your solicitor when needed. Avoid sending sensitive identification or financial documents through unsecured channels.
Why preparing early could make your property more attractive to buyers
When buyers are choosing between properties, the asking price and condition of the home aren’t their only considerations. They also want confidence that a purchase can proceed without unexpected complications.
A seller who has appointed a solicitor, organised their documents and considered their onward move may be better placed to demonstrate that they’re serious and ready to proceed.
For homeowners selling leasehold flats in particular, requesting management information early could make a significant difference to the transaction’s progress.
Of course, no amount of preparation can guarantee a sale. Mortgage applications, surveys, property chains and circumstances outside your control can still cause delays. But taking care of what you can control puts you in a much stronger position.
Thinking about selling your home soon?
The better prepared you are to sell, the faster and easier the process is likely to be.
At Grace Miller & Co., we help homeowners across London and Surrey prepare their properties for sale, understand their local market and navigate the selling process.
Whether you’re planning to move immediately or simply exploring your options, getting professional advice early can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary complications.
Thinking about selling? Contact Grace Miller & Co. for a free property valuation and advice on getting your home ready for the market.
