OPDA property transactions comment

30 September 2026

Maria Harris, Chair of the Open Property Data Association:

“Another subdued month for property transactions is a reminder that the housing market needs more than measures to address social housing shortfalls and stimulating demand where deposit is a barrier. We also need to address the structural inefficiencies that make moving or renting a home slower, more complicated and more uncertain than it needs to be.

People will always make decisions about whether and when to move based on affordability and their personal circumstances, but once they decide to transact, the process should not add unnecessary friction. Too many people are put off moving and delaying the decision due to the stress, cost, and time involved.

That is why the Government’s plans to modernise the home-buying process matter. Better standards, trusted data sharing and greater interoperability creates a more connected property market, giving everyone involved access to the information they need at the right time to make the right decisions.

Digitising the process won’t solve the affordability challenges, but it can make the process more efficient, more transparent and less stressful, opening up supply and giving confidence to those who do decide to move.”