Specialist buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage lender Fleet Mortgages has joined the Open Property Data Association (OPDA), becoming the latest member of the industry group, taking the group’s membership to around 50 organisations.

OPDA is the body pushing for open, standardised property data across the homebuying ecosystem to accelerate reform of the UK homebuying process. Fleet is now part of the group alongside lenders, proptechs, data providers, and conveyancing related organisations, whose founding members include the likes of Atom Bank.

Fleet, which is owned by Starling Bank, invests in new technology and data capabilities to improve services for brokers and customers and joins at a time when BTL lending is becoming more involved in the property data standardisation movement.

By joining OPDA, Fleet will contribute to industry efforts aimed at reducing inefficiencies, improving decision-making and creating a more connected approach across lenders, brokers, conveyancers and valuers. It also boosts OPDA’s influence across the mortgage sector.

Toni Coulson, data insights director at Fleet Mortgages, said: “Joining the OPDA comes at exactly the right time for Fleet. As we invest in our technology and data capabilities, we’re in a much stronger position to play a proactive role in shaping the future of the mortgage and homebuying process. The progress OPDA has already made in bringing together firms from across the ecosystem is hugely encouraging, and collaboration will be key to unlocking the full potential of this initiative.”

OPDA chair Maria Harris added: “Fleet will bring valuable insight to our work, particularly around how property and finance data can be used to streamline mortgage origination processes and improve the journey from offer to completion.”

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