Dear Norbert

Thank you for your email of 30 May to Dominic Raab MP concerning the home
buying and selling process. I have been asked to reply.

In my previous letter dated 7 September 2017, I explained that the Government had
committed to look at ways to streamline the home buying and selling process so it is
more efficient and less costly.

We have since published a call for evidence on ways to improve the home buying
and selling process and sought views on how to increase the commitment from
buyers and sellers to a sale.

The Government’s response to the call for evidence was published on 8 April where
we stated our intention to encourage the use of voluntary reservation agreements to
help prevent sales falling through and crack down on gazumping.

I hope that these changes will help to address the concerns you have raised. The
full response is available here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attach
ment_data/file/697939/Improving_the_home_buying_and_selling_process_response
.pdf

Thanks again for taking the time to write to us with your concerns.

Yours sincerely
Susan Peart

Home Ownership Division