The Future of Homebuying 2026
Consumer Expectations and the Case for Digital Reform
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Buying or selling a home remains one of the most significant financial and emotional commitments that most of us will ever make.
It’s a milestone moment that should support our goals, aspirations, and key life events but despite the importance of the transaction, the process continues to rely on systems and ways of working that haven’t kept pace with the modern world.
This is the second annual report commissioned by the Open Property Data Association and again captures the thoughts and insights of people across the UK who have bought or sold a home within the last five years.
Their responses reveal a property market that, 12 months on from our first study, still has room for improvement. The experience shared by many paints a picture of a complex and unexpectedly slow system, with clear consequences and opportunities.
This is the second annual report commissioned by the Open Property Data Association and again captures the thoughts and insights of people across the UK who have bought or sold a home within the last five years.
Their responses reveal a property market that, 12 months on from our first study, still has room for improvement. The experience shared by many paints a picture of a complex and unexpectedly slow system, with clear consequences and opportunities.
"Implementing a Smart Data scheme for property has huge potential to improve the homebuying process and to make the transaction quicker, more secure and more transparent at a time when they are making one of the biggest, most important purchases of their lives.”
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage
Homeownership Minister, MHCLG
"Buyers and sellers alike consistently point to delays, poor communication and repeated requests for documents as some of the most frustrating aspects of the home moving journey. This research highlights just how widespread this experience still is."
Phil Spencer
Founder of Move iQ & Property Expert
Phil Spencer
Founder of Move iQ & Property Expert
"This research highlights just how widespread this experience still is. Buyers and sellers alike consistently point to delays, poor communication and repeated requests for documents as some of the most frustrating aspects of the home moving journey."
What's in the Report?
This report explores how the UK homebuying and selling process continues to fall short of consumer expectations and why digital reform is now essential.
Based on research with 5,001 people who have bought or sold a home in the past five years, it reveals a process still affected by delays, repeated admin, poor communication and failed transactions.
It also shows strong consumer appetite for a faster, more transparent and more secure experience, underpinned by digital property packs and smart property data.
Based on research with 5,001 people who have bought or sold a home in the past five years, it reveals a process still affected by delays, repeated admin, poor communication and failed transactions.
It also shows strong consumer appetite for a faster, more transparent and more secure experience, underpinned by digital property packs and smart property data.
Contents
Foreword
Introduces the report with perspectives from OPDA Chair Maria Harris and property expert Phil Spencer on why the home moving process needs to modernise.
The State of Homebuying Today
Provides a snapshot of the current buying and selling experience, highlighting the most common challenges facing movers.
Key Research Findings
Breaks down the main survey insights across consumer motivations, satisfaction levels, pain points, reluctance to move, downsizing, digital adoption and hopes for reform.
What Needs to Change?
Sets out the improvements needed across transparency, communication, admin, digital adoption and trust in the housing market.
Recommendations
Provides practical recommendations for consumers, government, regulators and industry to support a more digital, efficient and customer-focused home moving system.
Conclusion
Makes the case for smart property data, secure digital sharing and coordinated industry action to create a faster, simpler and more trusted homebuying process.
0
%
have been put off moving again
0
%
have experienced a fall-through
0
%
support digital property packs
Meet the Contributors
Drawing on the experience of OPDA's communication working group and its Chair, the report sets out clear next steps and guidance for government and industry. The Chair would also like to extend her thanks to the executive team for their input and support
Maria Harris
Open Property Data Association
Angela Hesketh
PEXA
Sian Hemming-Metcalfe
Inventory Base
Dale Jannels
One Mortgage Systems
"The experience shared by many paints a picture of a complex and unexpectedly slow system, with clear consequences and opportunities"
Maria Harris
Chair, Open Property Data Association
"If we are serious about improving outcomes for consumers, and supporting growth, then the property sector must embrace smart data and the opportunities it brings."
The Rt Hon. Baroness Liz Lloyd
Minister for Digital Economy
"The OPDA survey confirms what we hear from our customers every day: buying or selling a home is still far too slow, stressful and opaque."
Christian Woodhouse
Head of Partnerships, Sprift
"This year's report highlights a clear gap between what consumers expect from the homebuying process and what they experience in reality."
Angela Hesketh
Head of Government & Public Affairs, PEXA
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