Land Registry Improves Price Data – What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

To put it simply, a UPRN (Unique Property Reference Number) is a unique number given to an individual property.

Property addresses can sometimes be written differently across various systems or may change over time. A UPRN stays with the property throughout its lifetime, which will provide a consistent way of identifying the property and ensuring information is linked to the correct property.

HM Land Registry has also introduced INSPIRE IDs alongside its Price Paid Data, these work in a similar way as the INSPIRE IDs provide a unique reference for individual parcels of land, making it easier to connect property information with specific pieces of land and their boundaries.

When looking to buy or sell a home, many people use property websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket to research previous sale prices or to find out more about properties in the local area.

By increasing the use of UPRNs, estate agents and property websites will be able to match properties with the correct information from the Land Registry. This should help ensure buyers and sellers have access to clearer and more reliable information about a property’s previous sale history and transaction prices.

The changes made could also work to support smoother property transactions by reducing confusion caused by address changes, similar property names or inconsistent address formats

These changes are unlikely to be an immediate change to the conveyancing process. However, improving the accuracy and consistency of property data is a positive step towards a more transparent and digitally connected property market.

In the longer term, ensuring property information is easier to identify could support a more efficient transaction for everyone involved as it should reduce confusion by improving confidence in property data published online.

If you are considering buying or selling a property and would like expert legal advice, contact our Residential Conveyancing team here at Wilson Browne Solicitors on 0800 088 6004 for all the help you need.