The Open Property Data Association (OPDA) has called on the government to adopt a more coordinated, long-term housing strategy, warning that the current system remains highly exposed to global economic and geopolitical shocks.

Maria Harris, chair of the OPDA, said recent global tensions, including the Iran conflict, have underlined the fragility of the UK housing market.

Mortgage rates have risen above 5%, lenders have withdrawn hundreds of products, and buyer enquiries have slowed as wider uncertainty feeds through to the property sector.

Harris said: “Just as the government has recognised the need for long-term energy security, we now need a long-term housing strategy that builds resilience into the system.

“Short term interventions can only soften the impact of global events.

“What we need is a modern, data driven property market that can withstand them.”

The OPDA argues that while the government’s focus on increasing housing supply remains important, it is insufficient in isolation. The Office for Budget Responsibility has forecast that the UK is unlikely to meet its target of delivering 1.5 million homes by 2030.

According to the association, the housing system remains outdated, with heavy reliance on manual processes and static documentation slowing transactions and reducing efficiency.

DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE KEY TO RESILIENCE

The OPDA said meaningful reform will require coordinated action across leadership, policy and industry adoption, with a particular focus on improving digital infrastructure.

Harris said: “Building more homes is only part of the solution.

“Just as energy resilience requires investment in the grid, housing resilience requires investment in the digital infrastructure that underpins the market.”

A recent report by the Department of Trade and Business found that Smart Data for homebuying could generate £14.1 billion in net social value and contribute £2.06 billion annually to UK GDP by 2043, making it the most economically significant Smart Data application identified.

While the government has positioned Smart Data as a central component of its industrial strategy, the OPDA said further urgency is needed to ensure the housing market is equipped to deal with future disruption.

Harris said: “Global shocks will continue to test the UK housing market.

“While these events cannot be controlled, the efficiency and resilience of the property system can be strengthened.

“A modern, data driven property market will help maintain confidence, reduce delays and keep the market moving even during periods of uncertainty.

“The path forward is clear: collaboration, digital foundations and a long-term strategy that treats housing as critical national infrastructure.”