BSA response to DBT Smart Data Call for Evidence

The Building Societies Association (BSA) has submitted its response to the Department for Business and Trade's Smart Data multi-sector Call for Evidence. The response focuses on the property and governance aspects of Smart Data and sets out the conditions needed to support effective, trusted and proportionate data sharing across the homebuying process. 

We are grateful to the many BSA members who provided evidence, practical insights and detailed comments that helped shape our response.

Key messages

• The BSA supports a homebuying Smart Data scheme in principle, provided it is built on clear standards, reliable data, strong security, clear liability and workable governance.

• A successful scheme must work for firms of all sizes and levels of digital maturity, with proportionate requirements and simple ways to connect rather than costly bespoke solutions. 

• Smart Data policy must recognise differences across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including variations in property law, land registration systems and digital readiness. 

• Benefits will only be realised if data can flow across the whole homebuying chain, supported by common standards, trusted data sources and reliable public sector data.

• Consumer trust must be at the centre of any scheme, with clear consent processes, strong security, protection against fraud and accessible routes for complaints and redress. 

• Governance should provide clear accountability for standards, accreditation, compliance, liability and dispute resolution, while allowing flexibility for different sectors and markets. 

The BSA looks forward to working with government, regulators and industry as this work develops.

Read the full response: FINAL-BSA-Response-to-DBT-Smart-Data-multi-sector-Call-for-Evidence-2026