Make property sales in England & Wales legally binding earlier, like in Scotland
The UK Government should reform conveyancing laws in England and Wales to mirror the Scottish system, where property sales become legally binding much earlier. This would reduce stress, financial risk, and delays for buyers and sellers.
Signatures
6
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 6/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 6/100,000
- 18 JUL 2025Petition rejectedduplicate
You may wish to sign this petition which calls for a similar action: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/721744
- 18 JUN 2025Petition created
Background
In England and Wales, a home sale isn’t legally binding until exchange of contracts, which can happen months after an offer is accepted. This leads to frequent fall-throughs, gazumping, wasted legal fees.
In Scotland, once missives are concluded, typically after mortgage approval and survey, the agreement becomes legally binding, offering certainty and protection for both sides.
This approach would:
- Reduce collapsed chains
- Prevent gazumping
- Protect buyers & sellers from financial loss