The Open Property Data Association (OPDA) has endorsed new guidance aimed at providing clarity for property agents on essential listing information. The guidance is designed to facilitate compliance and protect consumers, with technology and open data integration simplifying adherence for agents.
Last week, the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELA) released Material Information, parts B and C. This comes as an answer to the industry’s request for clearer definitions of material information. OPDA, which advocates for open property data collaboration, has a property data trust framework that encompasses Material Information part A and will integrate the new requirements into the existing open data schema.
Under the Consumer Protection Regulations, agents must not exclude any material information on listings. The new guidance provides a defined list of essential information, which previously left agents exposed to enforcement actions.
Part B includes details that apply to all properties, like the type and construction, while Part C involves conditional information, such as flood risk or accessibility issues. Part A, introduced last year, covers the council tax band or rate and property price.
OPDA encourages sellers and estate agents to engage a conveyancer at or before listing to verify material information and initiate searches promptly. Several OPDA member firms offer digital property pack solutions that ensure compliance for parts A, B, and C.
Maria Harris, chair of OPDA, said: “This is another key milestone on our journey to digitising the home buying process. This new guidance will improve transparency and interoperability, enhancing the experience for all involved parties. Brokers, lenders, valuers, and the buyer’s conveyancer will have access to verified information early in the transaction, reducing the likelihood of unexpected issues, delays, and transaction fall-throughs, while also offering better consumer protection.”
OPDA provides support to estate agents, conveyancing firms, and software providers to implement the necessary tools to meet these standards and facilitate data sharing among transaction participants.
Kieran Witt, founder and CEO of Kotini, an OPDA member, added: “Some agents may view this as additional work, but many will recognise it as an opportunity. Providing all material information upfront increases the chances of securing and retaining the right buyer by minimising surprises during the transaction. The use of open property data and existing technology, guided by the Property Data Trust Framework, will not only ensure compliance but also save time and cost in the conveyancing process.”
Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, operations director of OPDA member Inventory Base, concluded: “Since Part A’s release, there’s been hesitancy in adopting the necessary processes. Now with a complete framework, agents must act, leveraging the right technology to effectively create, capture, and share information. OPDA’s guidance can make the difference between stumbling or confidently navigating through the property landscape.”
