15 lenders have joined the National Property Transaction Network (NPTN) Sandbox, an innovation platform launched by conveyancing technology provider LMS to drive interoperability and digital transformation across the UK property transaction process.
The NPTN is a cross-sector initiative that aims to break down long-standing silos between lenders, brokers, law firms, estate agents and tech providers.
At its core is the principle of Horizontal Digital Integration, enabling connected, data-driven processes that can be reused throughout the transaction lifecycle.
The NPTN Sandbox will operate in six-week innovation cycles, providing a non-live environment to test and validate digital solutions before wider implementation.
The first use case, set to launch this month, will focus on digital identity verification and deed execution – two areas widely seen as bottlenecks in the conveyancing process.
The initial phase will explore the adoption of single, reusable digital ID verification and the use of Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) to eliminate the need for physical witnessing.
The project aims to replace manual and postal workflows, with success measured by acceptance levels among law firms, lenders and HM Land Registry, as well as improvements in customer experience and transaction speed.
Among the 15 lenders participating in the sandbox are HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, TSB, Skipton Building Society, Newcastle Building Society, Melton Building Society, Loughborough Building Society, Gen H, Molo and LiveMore.
Nick Chadbourne (pictured), chief executive of LMS, said the initiative is targeting “some of the most persistent friction points in the transaction process”.
“A single, reusable ID and QES-enabled deeds can eliminate paper-based delays, reduce fraud risk, and significantly speed up completion times,” he said. “This isn’t just about digitisation, it’s about building trust, resilience, and interoperability across the sector.”
The digital identity and compliance platform Verify365 is championing the initial use case, while One Mortgage System (OMS) is simulating broker workflows to ensure the solution can operate seamlessly across the transaction journey, not just among legal and lending parties.
The sandbox is also expected to generate insight to inform future regulatory and policy developments, as well as enable scalable deployment of digital-first solutions.
NPTN’s data-led approach hinges on secure, structured and reusable information, allowing identity and legal workflows to be automated. The project’s backers believe this can lay the foundation for a smarter, more connected and trustworthy property market.
