Homebuyers in the North East are among the most optimistic about the property transaction process but feel the most negative about using Digital Property Packs to improve the process, according to a major new report from the Open Property Data Association (OPDA) – The Future of Homebuying: Consumer Expectations and the Path to Digital Transformation.
New research from OPDA reveals the North East:
- Had the highest rate of moves due to relationship changes (8.9%).
- Was among the most optimistic with 46.3% expected to exchange in 1–2 months
- 49.5% blamed conveyancers for delays in the process
- 52.9% said chasing for updates was a key cause of delays.
- Had the highest rate of negative sentiment about using digital property packs to improve the property transaction process (4.4%).
- Had the lowest accuracy in estimating how much property data is currently digital (only 12.1% got it right).
These local findings are part of a national survey of more than 5,300 recent homebuyers and sellers, highlighting a broken homebuying system — one that relies on outdated processes, fragmented communication and repetitive paperwork. The report also reveals overwhelming public support for digital solutions, including the rollout of digital property packs that could make buying and selling faster, more secure and less stressful.
Key national findings include:
- 40.6% of respondents cited poor communication between stakeholders as the most challenging part of buying or selling a home, while 39.5% reported needing to chase for updates.
- 62.3% were asked to provide the same documents multiple times, leading to confusion, stress and delays.
- Almost half (45.9%) experienced delays of 3–6 months to exchange contracts, despite expecting it to take just 1–2 months.
- 82.2% responded positively to the concept of a digital property pack, and 76.7% said they would use such technology to securely share documents and data.
- Consumers ranked data security (33.1%) and ease of use (12.4%) as top priorities for digital tools.
- A quarter (25.5%) believe the government should lead the charge on digital reform.
The report outlines a clear path forward, calling for mandatory digital standards, a government-backed trust framework and collaborative reform from industry and technology providers.
“People across the UK are telling us the current homebuying process doesn’t work — and the North East is no exception,” says Maria Harris, Chair of OPDA. “It’s fragmented, outdated and often deeply frustrating. But the good news is that consumers are ready for change. They want digital tools that give them control, speed up transactions and reduce stress. Now it’s time for the industry and government to act.”
The report sets out detailed recommendations for policymakers, estate agents, conveyancers, mortgage lenders, technology providers, and consumers — including the adoption of interoperable digital platforms, secure data-sharing protocols and public education campaigns to build trust in digital solutions.
Download the full report here: https://openpropdata.org.uk/report/.