The Logbook Briefing #1: property logbooks, two free checkers, and what we are watching

Welcome to the first issue of The Logbook Briefing. You signed up on logbook.co.uk for plain-English updates on UK record keeping, so here is the deal from us: roughly one email a month, no padding, and if the government makes property logbooks law, you will hear it from this list first.

The big one: property logbooks are coming

On 18 June the government published its Home Buying and Selling Reform roadmap, and digital property logbooks sit at the centre of it. The plan aims to cut the average home move by around four weeks and save first-time buyers roughly £650. It is not law yet: there is a voluntary phase first, with legislation to follow "when parliamentary time allows".

What that means in practice: nothing is mandatory today, but homes with their paperwork already gathered will simply sell faster when the change lands. Our complete guide covers what a property logbook is, whether they are mandatory and exactly which documents go in one.

Two free tools, no sign-up, no catch

MOT history checker. Any UK registration: MOT status, expiry, mileage history and advisories, straight from the official record. Handy before buying, or just to check your own.

Property record checker. Enter a postcode and see what the public record already knows about a home: EPC rating and expiry plus sold-price history. It is the starting point of a property logbook, free.

Now in 40 seconds each

We have started answering the most-asked logbook questions on video: the V5C reference number, changing the name on a log book, the green slip, and the property logbook basics. All under a minute, all on our YouTube channel.

On our watch list

Three things we are tracking for you: the timetable for property logbook legislation, DVLA reopening registrations for its vehicle data service (paused since August), and any change to V5C rules and fees. When one moves, it will be in the next Briefing.

That is issue one. If something here saved you a headache, forward it to the friend who is mid house move or buying a used car. And if we got anything wrong, reply and tell us: a human reads every message.

Jamie
Editor, Logbook.co.uk