UK Data Act 2025 reshapes property sector data sharing

New legislation has taken effect, representing the most significant update to the UK’s digital data laws since Brexit, according to Propertymark. The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 amends—but does not replace—existing frameworks like the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

Key Impacts on the Property Sector

• More Freedom to Innovate: Organizations, including property agents, can now leverage data more flexibly for product development, service delivery, and customer communication—provided privacy safeguards remain intact.
• Simplified Complaints Process: While not yet active, agents will soon need a clearer process for handling data-related complaints, with guidance expected from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
• Stricter Protections for Children’s Data: The law explicitly recognizes children’s data as requiring special safeguards.
• Enhanced ICO Role: The ICO must now balance promoting innovation and economic growth with ensuring public safety, national security, and children’s rights. This signals a more business-friendly regulator with strong enforcement capabilities.

Opportunities for Property Agents

Propertymark highlights that the Act creates a more flexible framework for agents to:

• Improve data-sharing between stakeholders (e.g., landlords, tenants, conveyancers).
• Support digital adoption, such as ID checks and property information platforms.
• Simplify client communication with clearer privacy notices.

Call to Action

Propertymark urges member agents to:

1. Review and update privacy notices and internal processes.
2. Prepare for ICO guidance on the new complaints requirement.
3. Stay informed to align with modernization efforts, including digital identity proofing and Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRNs).

This reform aligns with broader industry trends toward digitization and streamlined data flows in the UK property market.