The Open Property Data Association (OPDA) has found a large gap between consumer perceptions and the reality of digital property transactions.
Research revealed that 64% of consumers believed over 21% of property information was available digitally, but less than 1% is actually accessible digitally.
Additionally, 82% of consumers supported the idea of Digital Property Packs, with 77% saying they would use them if available
Maria Harris, chair at OPDA, said: “The property market is long overdue for transformation. Our research shows that consumers are not only open to Digital Property Packs but are actively calling for them.
“With the Government’s commitment to digitisation, now is the time to push forward and ensure that buyers and sellers have the safe and trusted information they need at their fingertips.”
Phil Spencer, property expert and founder of Move iQ, said: “This announcement highlights what many of us in the property industry have known for years – the data we rely on just isn’t easily accessible, and too often, it’s in formats that are outdated, unreliable, or difficult to share safely.
“This initiative with clearer protocols for property data could be a game-changer for the way we buy and sell homes in the future.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done, but these steps mark a real shift in how the industry and government work together to improve the process.”
Digital Property Packs aim to provide a secure and accessible gateway to vital property details, streamlining transactions and reducing fall-through rates.
OPDA’s research also highlighted that clear guidance and regulation are essential to ensure widespread adoption, with 15% of consumers wanting Government or regulator guidance to increase their confidence in using these packs.
Marion King, chair and trustee at Open Banking Limited, said: “Open banking is the blueprint for what could be possible in other sectors. By enabling secure, consent-driven data sharing, open banking has transformed financial services—delivering greater transparency, efficiency, and competition.
“This same approach can unlock similar benefits in areas like digital property packs, streamlining transactions, reducing friction, and ultimately improving consumer outcomes.
“As we’ve seen in financial services, when data moves seamlessly, markets work better for everyone.”
OPDA has called on industry stakeholders, policymakers, and regulators to collaborate on implementing a transparent approach to smart property data in homebuying transactions.
