Selling a home in England can often be a lengthy process, and unexpected delays can cause transactions to fall through. As part of wider plans to modernise the home buying and selling process, the Government has proposed introducing property sales packs.
While they are not yet a legal requirement, the aim is to make moving home simpler and more transparent for everyone involved. In this article, we take a look at what you need to know, what they could include and how they may affect you if you’re planning to buy or sell.
What are the proposed property sales packs?
Property sales packs would bring together key information about a property before it is marketed for sale. The intention is to make important details available earlier, giving buyers a clearer understanding of a property from the outset while helping sellers prepare for the legal process in advance.
The final requirements have not yet been confirmed, so the exact contents and how the packs would be implemented may still change before any legislation is passed.
What could be included?
While the exact details haven’t been released, the proposed property sales packs could include:
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Property Information Forms
- Title information
- Leasehold information, where applicable
- Planning permission or building regulations documentation
- Other legal or property documents relevant to the sale
Why are property sales packs being considered?
The Government says the reforms are intended to improve the home buying and selling process by making more information available before a property is listed for sale. The aim is to reduce delays, improve transparency and help buyers make more informed decisions earlier.
Supporters also believe property sales packs could reduce the number of transactions that fall through because essential information would be available sooner. Whether the changes achieve those aims will only become clear if and when they come into force.
What could this mean for homeowners, buyers and sellers?
If the changes become law, sellers may need to spend more time preparing their property for the market and could face some additional upfront costs. However, gathering key documents earlier may help avoid unexpected issues once a sale is underway.
On the other side, it’ll give buyers access to more information before making an offer. It could also make it easier to understand a property’s legal position and help identify potential concerns sooner.
If you’re thinking about moving, there’s no need to change your plans, but it’s worth keeping an eye on future developments as the reforms progress.
Do you need to do anything now?
At the moment, no immediate action is required. The Government published its Home Buying and Selling Reform Roadmap in June 2026, but legislation will only be introduced when parliamentary time allows. If you’re planning to move, staying informed by seeking professional advice will help you prepare for any future changes.
Thinking about moving home?
Whether you’re buying, selling or simply exploring your options, the experienced team at Shortland Horne is here to help. We’ll keep you informed about changes to the property market and guide you through every stage of your move with clear, practical advice. Get in touch today.