Developed by the Open Property Data Association (OPDA), the updated framework marks a step forward in tackling one of the most persistent sources of friction in the UK property market: the lack of shared visibility across transaction chains.
For the first time, chain status can now be viewed and exchanged using an open, recognised standard. This allows all parties involved in a transaction – estate agents, conveyancers, lenders and technology providers– to speak the same language when it comes to chain progression.
The new initiative, introduced in version 3.4.0 of the Property Data Trust Framework, was shaped using live production data contributed by VMC’s engineering team.
In addition, the format is anchored by the Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) – a government backed identifier for each property – ensuring data can be matched, tracked and interpreted consistently across systems.
George Barnes, lead engineer at ViewMyChain, commented: “From the start, we wanted to make sure chain data didn’t just meet a standard – it had to be useful and deployable in the real world. This update brings structure to one of the messiest parts of UK property data, and it’s been built with production use in mind. We’re excited to see others adopt and build on it.”
Maria Harris, Chair of the OPDA, added: “This extension to the Property Data Trust Framework brings clarity where it was most lacking for consumers and industry: chains. Greater transparency and data sharing significantly reduces fall-throughs and prevents delays, all made possible when our members collaborate on data and common standards like we have with ViewMyChain.”
