Estate agents and other property businesses are being urged to help shape the Government’s plans for introducing smart data across the homebuying market.
The Open Property Data Association has called on agents, conveyancers, lenders, surveyors, valuers, insurers and proptech companies to respond to a new multi-sector call for evidence.
The Department for Business and Trade is seeking views on potential smart data uses, industry readiness, governance and how future schemes should be designed.
The call for evidence closes at 11.59pm on 1 October 2026. Any regulatory proposals resulting from the exercise would be subject to further feasibility work and formal consultation.
TRANSACTION DATA
Smart data schemes allow consumers and businesses to share information securely with authorised organisations using agreed technical and governance standards.
Within property transactions, this could enable verified information about a home to be collected once and shared between the estate agent, conveyancer, surveyor, mortgage lender and other authorised participants.
Supporters argue that this would reduce repeated form-filling, identify potential problems earlier and give buyers more reliable information before making an offer.
The exercise follows publication of the Government’s homebuying and selling reform roadmap.
That roadmap includes plans for voluntary upfront sales packs, improved listing information and common data standards, ahead of potential legislative requirements.
INDUSTRY INPUT
Maria Harris (main picture), Chair of the OPDA, says: “The Government is seeking evidence on how smart data should be applied across a number of sectors, including property, and it is vital that our industry engages with that process.
“Too often we hear stakeholders say they weren’t aware that consultations were taking place or that decisions were made without sufficient industry input. This is the opportunity to make your voice heard.
“The Home Buying and Selling Roadmap has established a clear direction of travel for property transactions. Smart data is one of the mechanisms that turns that vision into reality by enabling secure and trusted access to the information that consumers, professionals and organisations need.”
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
The OPDA says respondents should submit practical examples covering transaction delays, existing data-sharing problems, digital maturity, customer outcomes and the information required by different parts of the industry.
Harris adds: “Property is a complex ecosystem and there are many organisations, working groups, industry bodies and government departments involved in different aspects of data, digitisation and reform.
“That is why we are encouraging every organisation with an interest in shaping the future of property data to read the consultation and submit a response.”
