The Open Property Data Association has welcomed Angela Rayner’s return as housing secretary and called for continuity in the government’s work to modernise the homebuying process.

The trade body said Rayner’s previous experience in the role and existing relationships with the property industry should enable her to resume the housing reform agenda quickly.

It urged the government to maintain momentum behind Smart Data and the wider digital transformation of property transactions, arguing that reform would support consumers, businesses and the economy.

Smart Data for homebuying is estimated to have the potential to create £14.1bn in net social value and contribute £2.06bn a year to UK GDP by 2043, according to the OPDA.

STRONG UNDERSTANDING

Maria Harris, chair of the Open Property Data Association, said: “Angela Rayner’s return to the housing brief should be welcomed across the sector.

“She has a strong understanding of the challenges facing the housing market, a genuine passion for housing policy, and had already begun building constructive relationships with industry stakeholders before leaving the role. That existing knowledge and engagement should allow her to hit the ground running.

“At a time when the housing market needs confidence and certainty, the priority must be stability and continuity.

“We would particularly welcome the continued leadership and support of Baroness Taylor and Victoria Latham at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, whose experience and understanding of the housing reform agenda will be invaluable in maintaining momentum and ensuring progress is not lost during the transition.

“The industry now needs to see the government follow through on its commitments to modernise the homebuying process through Smart Data and wider digital transformation.”

SUPPORT FOR CHANGE

Harris reckons that the economic case for reform is compelling, with Smart Data for homebuying estimated to create £14.1bn in net social value and contribute £2.06bn annually to UK GDP by 2043, making it the single most economically impactful Smart Data use case across all sectors studied.

She added: “There is also clear public support for change. The OPDA’s Future of Homebuying 2026 report, published last month, found widespread backing for digital reform of the property market, reflecting growing consumer expectations for a faster, more transparent and less stressful homebuying experience.

“With a second chance at the role she was clearly committed to, and with first-hand experience of how complex property transactions can be, Angela Rayner has the opportunity to bring compassion and a personal touch.

“With the recent MHCLG roadmap announcement, she can build on the foundations already laid and help deliver reforms that will benefit consumers, businesses and the wider economy.

“We look forward to working with her and her team to ensure these commitments are delivered with the full support, collaboration and technical expertise of our industry and that the modernisation of the homebuying process remains a government priority.”