The Future of Homebuying report, published by the Open Property Data Association (OPDA), highlights persistent challenges including failed transactions, repeated paperwork, delays and poor communication. Notably, 77% of respondents in Northern Ireland reported that a property transaction they were involved in collapsed before completion.

In our experience, these findings reflect long-standing issues within the system. At a time when demand remains strong across the housing market, we believe the client experience after agreeing a property must evolve to keep pace with how people now search for and purchase homes.

Our approach to improving the process

We firmly believe these challenges can only be addressed through closer collaboration across the property, legal and financial sectors. Our partnership with PropertyPal is an example of how practical progress can be achieved.

Together, we have:

• Introduced an online legal costs calculator, enabling prospective homebuyers to access instant estimates for fees, outlays and stamp duty earlier in the journey.
• Delivered clear, accessible guidance on the conveyancing process, including what buyers can expect, what documents are required and how to become “move ready”.

Our aim is simple: to reduce confusion, minimise avoidable delays and help people feel more prepared.

Why this matters

For too many people, buying a home still involves unnecessary uncertainty and stress. From our perspective, the OPDA findings confirm what many buyers and sellers already know — meaningful reform is urgently needed.

We believe that starts with transparency.

Giving people access to clear, reliable information early in the process helps them understand:

• The likely costs involved
• The legal steps required
• What is expected of them at each stage

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial and personal decisions anyone will make. People deserve to approach it with confidence.

Working collaboratively for change

Our partnership with PropertyPal was driven by a shared ambition to demystify the homebuying process for people across Northern Ireland. By working together, we aim to ensure buyers and sellers feel informed, empowered and ready to move forward.

We have also seen first-hand how greater transparency benefits everyone involved:

• Buyers and sellers can make decisions with greater confidence
• Estate agents and legal professionals can work with clearer expectations
• Transactions can progress more smoothly with fewer surprises

Looking ahead

We believe the findings of the report reinforce the need for:

• Earlier access to information
• Stronger communication throughout the process
• Continued collaboration across the industry

By focusing on these priorities, we can help create a homebuying system in Northern Ireland that is more efficient, better coordinated and ultimately more consumer-focused.