Andrew Lloyd, Managing Director at Search Acumen, comments:
“The battle for a more efficient housing market has sprung into action with the publication of the Housing White Paper marking a vital acknowledgement of the current broken system. Planning for the right homes in the right places, building homes faster and diversifying the market are all welcomed ploys, but the announced modernisation of Land Registry mustn’t be overlooked as a leap in the right direction for our industry.
“The commitment to make the registry a world leader for speed, simplicity and open approach to data paints a positive picture for transparency and access to information – especially when contrasted with the hindrances associated with previous threats of privatisation. Furthermore, the examination of a more effective relationship between Land Registry and Ordnance Survey should excite the market that has patiently waited for an effective digital land and property data service.
“The Secretary of State is right to recognise the importance of transparency in getting the housing and land markets working more efficiently. Land Registry will be crucial in delivering this and has never been so important than in our current economic climate, supplying transaction data and house prices as well as recording land ownership. As our market looks ahead to the post-Brexit climate these plans must turn into reality to help strengthen our industry.”