New research from the Open Property Data Association (OPDA) has revealed there is "overwhelming public support" for digital property packs and backing for fundamental reform of the homebuying and selling process.

The association’s Future of Homebuying Report 2026, which is based on research from more than 5,000 recent home movers, revealed that consumers are ready to embrace digital solutions to tackle the delays, uncertainty and frustration in the homebuying and selling process.

The report comes after the Government published its Home Buying and Selling Roadmap last month, outlining its vision for the future of the property market.

New sales packs to ensure buyers have the information they need upfront, earlier binding agreements and digital tools are among the planned reforms.

The OPDA found that 86% of recent homebuyers believe the use of a digital property pack is a good idea in the homebuying and selling process, up from 82% in 2025, while confidence in sharing key documents through a digital property pack has risen from 76% to 87% year-on-year.

When asked what single change would have the biggest impact on improving the process, digitisation (40%) emerged as the leader, with faster processes and better communication also being listed.

While progress has been made, the association said that consumers recognised that more needed to be done, with 65% believing the homemoving process is fit for the digital and 78% stating that the system still requires fundamental reform.

However, 86% of consumers are confident that the process will improve over the next five years.

Chair at OPDA, Maria Harris, stated that the Government's roadmap shows the future of property transactions must be "digital, transparent and consumer-focused".

She concluded: "What is particularly encouraging is that consumers are already ahead of the curve. Our research shows overwhelming support for digital property packs and a clear appetite for the modernisation of the home buying and selling process. People want access to reliable information upfront, greater certainty and fewer surprises during a transaction.

"Consumers should not settle for a system that leaves them waiting for critical information until weeks or months into the process. They deserve digital property packs, early conveyancer instruction, and access to the information they need from the outset.

"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."

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