OPDA study reveals widespread dissatisfaction
Many homebuyers and sellers in the UK are dissatisfied with the current homebuying system, calling it outdated and fragmented, a new report by the Open Property Data Association (OPDA) has found.
The study, based on feedback from over 5,300 participants, highlights poor communication, repeated document requests, and lengthy delays as common pain points in property transactions. The report also indicates that a majority of consumers are open to adopting digital tools to improve the experience.
Among the main concerns, 40.6% of respondents identified poor communication between the various parties involved as the most difficult aspect of the process. Meanwhile, 39.5% said they had to chase for updates.
A further 62.3% reported having to submit the same documents more than once, leading to unnecessary stress and confusion. Delays were also a major issue, with nearly 46% experiencing contract exchanges that took three to six months, although they had expected it to take one to two months.
Support for digital solutions was strong. Over 82% responded positively to the idea of a digital property pack, and more than 76% said they would be willing to use such tools to safely share data and documents. Data protection and user-friendliness ranked highest among the desired features of digital tools, at 33.1% and 12.4% respectively.
Additionally, 25.5% of those surveyed said they believe the government should take the lead in advancing digital reform in property transactions.
OPDA’s report offers a roadmap for modernising the system, recommending the introduction of mandatory digital standards, a government-endorsed trust framework, and broader cooperation between industry players and tech firms.
“Consumers are telling us loud and clear: the current homebuying process doesn’t work for them,” said Maria Harris (pictured), chair of the Open Property Data Association. “It’s fragmented, inefficient and opaque.
“This research makes an undeniable case for digital reform and shows that the public is more than ready for it. With the right frameworks in place, we can finally deliver a homebuying process that is secure, streamlined and fit for the 21st century.”
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