Elmhurst responds to dual consultations to Improve Information and Transparency in Property Transactions

On 6^th October 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) launched two consultations aimed at improving how homes are bought and sold. This includes looking at the overarching buying and selling process, as well as considering what information should be available to buyers from the outset.

• Consultation 1: Material Information in Property Listings
• Consultation 2: Home Buying and Selling Reform

These consultations closed on the 31^st December 2025 and Elmhurst were pleased to submit responses on behalf of our members.

What did the consultations propose?

The first consultation, named Material Information in Property Listings, focuses on ensuring property listings include clear and consistent “material information” to help buyers make informed decisions before committing to a property. This includes details such as:

• Tenure, council tax band, and asking price
• Utilities, parking, and broadband availability
• Local risks such as flooding or planning restrictions

The second consultation, Home Buying and Selling Reform, looks at how to make the home buying and selling process faster, more transparent, and less stressful for all involved stakeholders. Proposals include:

• Requiring key property information to be available earlier
• Encouraging the use of digital tools to streamline transactions
• Improving regulation of estate agents and conveyancers
• Exploring reservation agreements to reduce sales falling through

Elmhurst’s Consultation Response

Elmhurst supports the proposed reforms across both consultations, particularly measures that improve transparency, reduce delays, and ensure consumers have access to clear and reliable information at an earlier stage in the property transaction. Central to our response is the view that Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) should be clearly defined as mandatory material information, provided at the point of listing, accurately maintained to reflect the property as marketed, and linked to the full certificate on the official register. We also support:

• Clearer guidance – The introduction of clear, consistent guidance on material information, including the correct use and presentation of EPC data, to support estate agents and property professionals in meeting their obligations.
• Improved training and qualifications – Enhanced training and qualification requirements across the property sector to improve understanding of energy performance information and ensure EPCs can be accurately interpreted and communicated to consumers.
• Stronger professional collaboration – Greater collaboration between estate agents, energy assessors, surveyors, conveyancers and other professionals to ensure technical information is accurate, up to date, and appropriately reflected in property listings.
• Wider adoption of digital property logbooks – Support for the increased use of digital property logbooks to improve the accessibility, accuracy and ongoing maintenance of property information, including energy performance data.

Collectively, these measures would improve the accuracy and consistency of property information, strengthen consumer confidence, and support the UK’s net zero objectives.