Concerns have been raised about the Government’s plan to introduce mandatory new sales packs.

The packs, officially announced this week, aim to give buyers more information about their purchase upfront, and will use digital tools will halve the number of sales falling through.

But the move has drawn comparisons to Home Information Packs, the so-called ‘HIPs’, which were scrapped after proving unworkable.

Industry experts argue that if HIPs failed the first time around, making a similar scheme success now may prove to be a significant challenge.

However, many believe that the one factor that could make a genuine difference this time is significantly better technology.

Meaningful change

Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman, says: “Any measures which improve transparency and certainty in home buying, and reduce the risk of gazumping/gazundering and abortive costs while professionalising the sector are welcome – and the sooner the better.

“Having been at the RICS during the last serious attempt at change some years ago, I know how difficult it will be to make a difference, not least bringing together all the various parties involved, many with little or no interest in a more efficient or timely process.

“However, the opportunities are too great to miss. As long as this latest proposal is not more politicking but a practical attempt at meaningful change, I am confident this time the government needs business.”

However, some commentators are more hopeful about the ability of the packs to be introduced and make a meaningful impact on the market.

We welcome the Government’s commitment to reforming the home buying and selling process.

Lesley Horton, the UK’s Chief Property Ombudsman, says:“We welcome the Government’s commitment to reforming the home buying and selling process and we’re pleased to see a number of measures that have the potential to deliver a more transparent, efficient and consumer-focused system.

“For too long, buyers and sellers have faced uncertainty, delays and avoidable transaction failures. These reforms represent an important opportunity to improve confidence at every stage of the process.

“We recognise that the proposals, if fully implemented, will change expectations on sellers in particular.

“The introduction of greater upfront information will help consumers make more informed decisions earlier and reduce the risk of transactions collapsing further down the line.

“Buyers should be able to rely on accurate, accessible and meaningful information when making one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives, and these changes are a positive step towards achieving that.”

The reliance on new technology will be crucial in making sure the new reforms can be implemented.

We welcome the government’s commitment to creating a modern, digital-first property market that puts homebuyers and sellers at the heart of the process.”

Maria Harris, Chair of the Open Property Data Association (OPDA), says: “This announcement represents a significant step towards fixing a homebuying process that has been crying out for reform for decades.

“Customers have made it clear that the current process isn’t fit for purpose and doesn’t meet their expectations.

“We welcome the government’s commitment to creating a modern, digital-first property market that puts homebuyers and sellers at the heart of the process.

“Providing key information upfront through digital sales packs, introducing earlier binding agreements and embracing technologies such as digital identity checks and AI-assisted conveyancing are exactly the kinds of changes needed to deliver faster transactions, greater transparency and fewer fall-throughs.”

OPDA research

Research by OPDA found that 86% of home movers support the introduction of a digital property pack.

Harris adds: “People want certainty, transparency and access to the information they need from the outset, and with 87% of consumers happy to share their data for a better process, these reforms will help deliver that.

“The time for change is now. OPDA has been laying the foundations for the future of the property market through the development of free and open smart property data standards and by bringing together lenders, conveyancers, estate agents, technology firms, regulators and government.

“By working collaboratively across the industry, we have an opportunity to build a modern, fit-for-purpose property system that works better for everyone, improves the emotional and financial wellbeing of consumers and supports a more sustainable and efficient housing market.”

It has the potential to reduce friction, improve certainty and help transactions progress more smoothly.”

Nick Hale, Chief Executive of Movera, agrees, saying: “These reforms represent a significant step forward in modernising the home buying process and improving outcomes for both consumers and the industry.

“Encouraging earlier commitment to transactions along with wider adoption of digital identity checks, electronic signatures and the responsible use of AI, has the potential to reduce friction, improve certainty and help transactions progress more smoothly.

Reducing risks

Director of Delivery at The Conveyancing Association, says: “Home buying and selling reform is about removing the current delay and uncertainty and reducing risk.

“It is about giving conveyancers the information they need to manage risk better.

“Liability remains where it has always been; what changes is the quality and timing of the information available.

“Conveyancers remain responsible for the advice they provide, just as they are today. The difference is they will increasingly have access to better information, earlier in the transaction, enabling risks to be identified, understood and managed before they become problems.

“For too long, our profession has been expected to navigate transactions with incomplete information, leading to avoidable delays, frustration and fall-throughs.”

Proactive process

She adds: “This reform gives us the opportunity to move from a reactive process to a proactive one. This is not a leap into the unknown. It is a practical evolution that supports consumers, reduces wasted effort and helps professionals deliver better outcomes with greater confidence.

“When information is available earlier and shared more effectively, risk does not increase, it decreases. The result is a home moving process that is faster, more transparent and more trusted by everyone involved.”

Meanwhile, Iain McKenzie, Chief Executive of The Guild of Property Professionals, says: “Improving the homebuying process and making it easier for people to buy a home is a positive step.

“A process that is straightforward, transparent and takes less time is something the whole housing sector should support.

“Reducing fall-throughs is particularly welcome. When a sale collapses after weeks or months of negotiations, it creates stress, wasted time and additional costs for all parties. A more secure and predictable process will help build confidence and keep the market moving.”

Finally, Jason Tebb, President of OnTheMarket, says: “This announcement from Labour is a welcome step towards fixing a complex and often uncertain homebuying process. The focus on upfront information, earlier certainty and higher professional standards tackles many of the root causes of delays and fall-throughs.

“Improving early access to high-quality property information has long been a priority for OnTheMarket, helping buyers make more informed and transparent decisions sooner while reducing time and costs.

“We look forward to working with Government and industry to help deliver a more transparent, efficient and trusted property market.”