How Project 28 Could Transform Home Sales in South London
If you’ve ever sold or bought a home in South London, you’ll know the process can test anyone’s patience. You accept an offer, start dreaming about your next chapter, and then… nothing seems to move. Weeks roll into months, and all the while paperwork circles between agents, solicitors, and lenders.
At Urban Village, we see this frustration every day, which is why the launch of Project 28: A Charter for Faster, More Certain Property Transactions is such a welcome step forward. The initiative aims to cut the time between offer accepted and exchange of contracts from an average of 109 days to just 28, according to Landmark Information Group. For South London movers, that could mean a much smoother, more predictable experience.
Why do property transactions need reform?
UK, home sales currently take an average of 109 days from offer to exchange. It is stressful, uncertain, and around one-in-three transactions fall through.
Here in South London, timing matters even more. Properties in areas like Camberwell, Herne Hill, and Brixton often attract multiple buyers and, when a sale stalls, the ripple effect can break whole chains, meaning prolonged uncertainty for sellers, and the risk of buyers losing their dream home.
What does Project 28 actually mean?
Project 28 is an industry-wide commitment to faster, more transparent home sales. It brings together estate agents, conveyancers, mortgage lenders, and technology firms under one shared goal: to streamline property transactions from ‘sale agreed’ to exchange in 28 days.
The charter sets out eight commitments to achieve this, from early legal instruction to digital data sharing and better coordination across all parties.
Instead of waiting for documents to arrive midway through a sale, sellers and agents would provide key information upfront (including title deeds, planning permissions, and lease details), making it easier for buyers and solicitors to progress without delay. As TwentyCi notes, this focus on early data and shared visibility could help tackle one of the biggest causes of slow completions: the late discovery of information.
How faster, tech-led home sales could work in practice
Currently, the legal process only begins after an offer is accepted. By the time searches are ordered and lease queries are answered, weeks (sometimes months) have passed. It’s no wonder buyers lose momentum or chains collapse.
Under the new model, your conveyancer is instructed as soon as your property hits the market, while legal documents and property details are uploaded to a secure digital hub.
This means that, when an offer comes in, both parties already have much of the groundwork complete, enabling solicitors to move directly into due diligence and contract drafting.
Why does this matter for South London sellers and buyers?
For sellers:
- Faster exchanges mean less time waiting and less chance of the buyer pulling out.
- You gain confidence knowing your property is legally ready and your sale is progressing efficiently.
- A smoother process strengthens your position when planning your next move.
For buyers:
- You see key information early, helping you make informed decisions and avoid surprises later.
- A quicker process can give you a competitive edge in fast-moving markets.
- Reduced delays mean less stress and a clearer path to getting your keys.
For everyone involved, it promises a calmer, more predictable experience, which is something that’s been long overdue in the property world.
How Urban Village supports faster, smoother sales
Urban Village has always shared the same principles that sit behind Project 28.
Transparency, preparation, and strong communication are central to how we work, because the smoother the process, the better the experience is for everyone involved.
From the moment a property is listed, our team helps the seller prepare detailed information packs and encourages early instruction of solicitors. Having documents like lease details, planning permissions, and service charge records ready in advance means that legal checks can begin straight away.
We also anticipate potential delays before they become a problem. Missing paperwork, unanswered questions, or slow responses can hold up a sale, so we make sure our clients and partners stay one step ahead.
We’ve already seen the benefits of this approach in practice. A recent sale in Camberwell completed in under six weeks through early preparation and close coordination between the seller, solicitor, and buyer. That kind of efficiency comes from teamwork and careful planning, not chance.
What steps can I take to speed up my own sale?
Even before Project 28 is fully in motion, you can help things move faster right now:
- Instruct your solicitor early, don’t wait until an offer is accepted.
- Prepare your documents: lease details, planning permissions, and service charge records.
- Stay responsive and communicate with all parties to keep things flowing smoothly.
- Choose an agent who values transparency because some still follow outdated practices instead of modern, data-led ones.
The future of home sales starts now
Change is already taking shape across South London, where more buyers and sellers are embracing preparation and collaboration from the very start. At Urban Village, we’re proud to help lead that shift.
We believe that moving home should feel hopeful, not stressful. By focusing on early preparation, clear communication, and genuine care, we help our clients move forward on their property journey with clarity and confidence.
Thinking of selling? Book a free valuation with Urban Village , or call us on +44 (0)20 3519 9121 to speak to a member of the team and explore how you could start a smarter, smoother move today.