UK to require binding contracts and digital sales packs

The government has announced a major overhaul of the home buying and selling process in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, aiming to end delays, reduce failed transactions, and increase transparency. The reforms, unveiled on June 19, 2026, will require sellers to provide key information upfront and introduce earlier, legally binding agreements.

Under the planned changes, sellers and estate agents will be required to compile comprehensive "sales packs" at the point a property is listed. These packs must include details on a home's condition, any leasehold costs, and its status in a property chain. Officials said this will empower buyers with crucial information from the start, reducing last-minute surprises that often cause sales to collapse.

A central feature of the reforms is the introduction of legally binding sales agreements earlier in the transaction process. This measure is designed to prevent "gazumping," where a seller accepts a higher offer after agreeing to a sale, and to stop either party from walking away months into negotiations without a legitimate reason. The government estimates the changes could cut the average sale time by around four weeks and save...