The Open Property Data Association (OPDA) is asking consumers and property professionals to respond to the Government’s proposed changes to the home moving process.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is consulting on reforms to the house buying system, aiming to lower costs, reduce delays and cut failed sales by half.
Under the proposals, sellers and estate agents will need to give key property information upfront, with the option of binding contracts to help stop either side pulling out late.
The plans also include trusted data and digital tools so buyers can complete tasks and track progress in real time.
The consultation is open until 29th December.
OPDA has campaigned for safe and secure sharing of open property data and upfront clarity for buyers and sellers.
Research found it takes an average of 22 weeks for buyers to reach completion on a home purchase.
Those using OPDA’s digital property packs saw the time from mortgage offer and purchase accepted to exchange drop to 15 days.
Maria Harris (pictured), chair of OPDA, said: “Buying a home shouldn’t take months of uncertainty and stress.
“But because of outdated processes, duplication and breakdowns in communication, the house moving process now takes twice as long as it did 20 years ago.
“We believe open data and technology standards are essential for transforming the housing market and delivering proven economic benefits, and that’s why we’re working with the industry to campaign for change.”
Harris added: “We have a unique opportunity to deliver the type of transformational change that doesn’t come along very often – let’s make sure we land this one by sharing our views.”
