Property agents are being urged by the Open Property Data Association (OPDA) to help shape the future of the property market, by getting involved and helping to develop the Smart Property Data Trust Framework sandbox.

The government-backed project is laying the foundations for a more efficient, trusted and transparent housing market and so far the project has welcomed participants from across the property industry but is calling for more property agents to get involved.

Maria Harris, chair of the OPDA, one of the project’s lead partners, said: “Smart data will transform the property market, and the sandbox project is building the framework to make it happen. This is no longer a concept, it’s a live testing environment where real processes are put to the test, with findings shared openly across the sector. We’ve received a lot of interest from participants, but we need more property agents to get involved so we have a balanced representation from across the industry.

“Their expertise and knowledge is crucial so that we can build standards that meet their needs in the real world. Early adopters will gain speed, insight and competitiveness, staying ahead of a market that’s changing faster than ever.”

The sandbox will create a safe, controlled environment to test how trusted property data can be securely accessed, shared and reused between accredited participants such as estate agents, conveyancers, lenders, brokers, search providers and technology firms.

To get involved in the project, firms should contact DPMSG@landregistry.gov.uk.