Property agents are being encouraged to take part in a government-backed project aimed at improving how property data is shared and used across the housing market.
The call comes as work begins on the Smart Property Data Trust Framework sandbox, a project designed to help create a more efficient, transparent and trusted property market.
While participants from across the property industry have already joined the initiative, organisers say more property agents are needed to ensure the framework reflects the needs of the sector in practice.
Maria Harris, chair of the Open Property Data Association, one of the project’s lead partners, said: “Smart data will transform the property market, and the sandbox project is building the framework to make it happen.
“This is no longer a concept, it’s a live testing environment where real processes are put to the test, with findings shared openly across the sector.
“We’ve received a lot of interest from participants, but we need more property agents to get involved so we have a balanced representation from across the industry.
“Their expertise and knowledge is crucial so that we can build standards that meet their needs in the real world. Early adopters will gain speed, insight and competitiveness, staying ahead of a market that’s changing faster than ever.”
The 12-month project is funded by a £742,700 award from the government’s Regulators’ Pioneer Fund. It is being delivered by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers in partnership with the Open Property Data Association, with support from Raidiam and data provided by HM Land Registry.
Oversight is being provided by the Digital Property Market Steering Group, a coalition of regulators, government bodies and industry organisations working to support improvements in the homebuying and selling process.
TESTING DATA SHARING ACROSS THE PROPERTY MARKET
The sandbox will create a controlled environment in which trusted property data can be securely accessed, shared and reused between accredited participants. These are expected to include estate agents, conveyancers, lenders, brokers, search providers and technology firms.
The work aims to move the sector away from the current document-heavy and fragmented processes towards structured data, shared standards and greater interoperability between systems.
At the end of the project, findings will be published to help the wider sector understand how trust frameworks could reduce duplication, improve transaction certainty and enable greater automation across the property and mortgage lifecycle.
Firms interested in participating in the project are encouraged to contact the Digital Property Market Steering Group via DPMSG@landregistry.gov.uk.
