The UK Government has announced new plans to make buying and selling a home in England faster, cheaper and less stressful for all.
If you’re considering selling your property or moving to the area, take a moment to browse our Properties for sale in Wentworth Estate, Properties for sale in Virginia Water and the surrounding areas. If you have any questions, you can also visit our award-winning website or call us on 01344 843000 and email us.
The proposals, released on 6 October 2025, aim to address long-standing frustrations for buyers, sellers and agents. A consultation will run until late December, with further details expected in the new year.
Why these reforms are being considered
Currently, around one in three property sales falls through before completion, costing homeowners across the UK an estimated £400 million each year in wasted fees. The average sale takes over five months to complete. The UK Government hopes the proposed changes could shorten transaction times by around four weeks and reduce unnecessary costs.
What could change
More upfront property information
Sellers and estate agents may need to provide more detail when a property is first listed, including its condition, planning consents, and flood risk data. The idea is to give buyers clearer information earlier, which may reduce the need for duplicate surveys or searches.
Optional binding agreements
The introduction of optional binding contracts is being explored. These would make the sale legally committed earlier in the process and could include financial penalties for either party who withdraws without good reason.
Digital property logbooks
Digital “property packs” or logbooks could become standard. These would hold key details about a property’s history and permissions, helping agents, conveyancers and buyers access accurate information quickly and reduce delays.
A stronger code for estate agents
A new Code of Practice is being proposed to raise standards across the estate agency sector. This could include qualification requirements and clearer expectations around professionalism and accountability.
Regional differences
Property systems vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Government has said future legislation will reflect these differences and adapt accordingly.
You can read more on the official UK Government website here.
What this means for buyers and sellers
Although the consultation is still ongoing, these proposals represent a step towards a more transparent and efficient property process. Whether these changes will be adopted, and in what form, will become clearer in 2026.
While it remains to be seen how much difference these reforms will make in practice, we’ll continue to follow developments closely and keep our clients informed every step of the way.
Whether you are buying or selling in Virginia Water, Wentworth Estate, or across Surrey and the Home Counties, our team is here to provide guidance and ensure your experience remains smooth and well-supported.
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Ready to sell your Virginia Water or Wentworth property? Call us on 01344 843000 or email us for expert advice on selling your home in Virginia Water, Wentworth, or the surrounding Surrey areas. You can also request a free property valuation via our website here.
If you’re thinking of moving to the area, make sure to take a look at our latest Properties for sale in Wentworth Estate, Properties for sale in Virginia Water . If you’d like to speak to someone, a member of our expert team would be happy to help. You can call us on 01344 843000 or email us.
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