Consumers are ready to embrace digital solutions to address the delays, uncertainty and frustration that have long plagued the home buying and selling process, data from the Open Property Data Association shows.
OPDA’s Future of Homebuying Report, based on research from more than 5,000 recent home movers, shows that 86% of recent homebuyers believe using a digital real estate package is a good idea when buying or selling a home, up from 82% in 2025.
Meanwhile, trust in sharing important documents through a digital ownership suite has increased significantly, from 76% in 2025 to 87% today.
This follows last month’s government roadmap for buying and selling homes, which outlines its views on the future of the property market.
Planned reforms include new sales packages to ensure buyers have the information they need in advance, previous binding agreements and digital tools.
The OPDA report shows that when asked which change would have the greatest impact on improving the home purchasing process, digitalization was chosen by 40% of respondents.
Faster processes and better communication are the main priorities for digital transformation.
Despite the progress, consumers recognize that more needs to be done.
While 65% believe the moving process is fit for the digital age, 78% say the system still requires fundamental reform.
However, there is strong optimism about the future. About 86% of respondents are confident that the home buying and selling process will improve over the next five years.
OPDA chair Maria Harris said: “The government’s roadmap for buying and selling homes sends a clear signal that the future of property transactions must be digital, transparent and consumer-centric.”
“What is particularly encouraging is that consumers are already leading the way. Our research shows overwhelming support for digital ownership packages and a clear willingness to modernize the home buying and selling process. People want up-front access to reliable information, more certainty and fewer surprises during a transaction.”
“Consumers shouldn’t have to put up with a system that leaves them waiting weeks or months for crucial information. They deserve digital ownership packages, early transportation instructions and access to the information they need right from the start.”
“The government has set the direction and consumers are fully behind these plans. Now we must work together as an industry to make that vision a reality.”
While many real estate professionals remember the introduction of the now-defunct Home Information Packs in the 2000s, Harris says the industry has learned lessons from the past.
She adds: “Home Information Packs were introduced before the technology, data standards and industry infrastructure existed to make them truly effective. Today the situation is completely different.”
“Smart data, open standards and secure digital sharing ensure that information can be delivered accurately, consistently and in a way that truly improves outcomes for buyers and sellers.”