James Vernor-Miles comments on the government’s homebuying shake-up in IFA Magazine
James’s comments were published in IFA Magazine, 6 October 2025, and can be seen here.
James Vernor-Miles, head of our Residential Property department, comments on the government’s proposed overhaul of the homebuying system, described as the most significant in recent history.
While the announcement has sparked cautious optimism across the property industry, James notes that the proposals are short on detail and risk repeating past missteps. He points to previous reforms such as Home Information Packs and statutory pre-contracts that failed to deliver lasting improvements.
James welcomes the renewed focus on transparency and efficiency but stresses that meaningful change requires practical implementation. He proposes a clear and effective solution: make it mandatory for sellers to instruct a conveyancer before marketing their property. Including the conveyancer’s details in listings would signal genuine intent and help buyers make informed decisions earlier in the process, reducing wasted time, money, and energy.
He argues that if both parties come prepared from the outset, transactions will move faster and more smoothly. This approach avoids the pitfalls of overly complex or outdated mechanisms and instead focuses on readiness and commitment. His comments reflect a broader industry sentiment that reform must be rooted in simplicity, clarity, and early engagement.
Read the full article on the IFA Magazine website [external link].