OUR WORK
How we are improving the home buying and selling process
Practical, deliverable reforms developed by the Home Buying and Selling Council
Download Our Reform Overview
Turning insight into delivery
The HBSC brings together Government, industry and consumer voices to identify where change is needed - and how it can be delivered in practice.
Our work focuses on actions that can be implemented now, alongside longer-term system change. This work reflects a structured programme of reform developed by the HBSC Steering Group and specialist contributors.
How we can change the process now
These improvements can be delivered using existing regulation, guidance and industry collaboration.
Government
Publish up-to-date GOV.UK guidance
Mandate consumer guidance
Consult on reservation agreements and property condition/safety
Industry
Introduce material information clearly to consumers
Improve cross-sector communication
Secure mortgage funds earlier
Encourage earlier completion times
Consumer
Understand the importance of material information
Instruct conveyancers earlier
Be financially prepared before viewings
Be ready to move within agreed timeframes
How we can change the process in the future
These changes require coordinated system design, digital infrastructure and policy alignment.
Government
Agree a Digital Property Information Protocol
Approve a Property Data Trust Framework
Deliver property data digitally
Mandate property logbooks or legal packs
Implement digital ID and data governance standards
Industry
Align around shared data protocols
Provide transparent buying and selling costs
Complete digital ID and AML checks earlier
Use secure digital banking reconciliation
Enable safe transfer of smart property data
Consumer
Use smart data to support affordability decisions
Provide proof of funds earlier
Order property logbooks or legal packs where appropriate
Consider condition and safety checks earlier
Earlier, clearer information
Helping buyers and sellers make informed decisions sooner.
Stronger commitment
Reducing fall-throughs and wasted costs.
Better use of data
Simplifying how property data and documents are shared.
Consumer understanding and confidence
Improving clarity, accessibility and communication.
Evidence-led reform
Using research and data to measure progress and inform policy.
The Home Moving Reform Toolkit
The HBSC Toolkit provides practical resources to help professionals apply these principles consistently and responsibly across the home moving process.
These form part of the Home Moving Reform Toolkit, a growing resource developed to help professionals improve transparency and efficiency.
By downloading the Toolkit, you’ll also receive updates when resources are revised or new materials are added.
Access the Toolkit
All Toolkit materials are provided on a royalty-free, non-exclusive basis for professional use. See the licence terms for details.