Smart Data in Property: Laying the Foundations for a Digitised Industry
1pm – 2pm26 May 2026
Online
Property transactions are one of the most data-intensive and high-risk processes in the economy. However, today's system relies heavily on manual checks, paper documentation, and in-person verification, resulting in delays, higher costs, and poor user experience.
Smart Data and digital ID have the potential to transform this landscape by enabling secure, reusable identity verification, streamlining Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) processes, and supporting trusted data sharing. With Government analysis estimating billions in potential economic value, improving this process is critical not just for consumers, but for the wider UK economy.
Recent developments, including property being identified as a priority sector in the UK's Smart Data Strategy, highlight growing momentum. At the same time, initiatives such as the Open Property Data Association (OPDA) sandbox, connecting datasets like HM Land Registry and enabling industry participation, are laying the groundwork for a more digitised, interoperable homebuying ecosystem.
What's on
Join techUK as we set out the current state of play for Smart Data driven innovation in the property sector. We will hear from industry leaders and Government on what needs to come next to accelerate the adoption of tech driven solutions in the property sector and to outline the critical role digital ID must play in that process. The session will feature a programme of presentations and panel discussions.
Why attend?
Hear from industry leaders and Government on the future of Smart Data driven innovation in the property sector
Explore how digital ID can streamline KYC and AML processes and reduce friction in property transactions
Understand the current state of play, including the OPDA sandbox and the UK's Smart Data Strategy
Help shape what needs to come next to accelerate the adoption of tech driven solutions across the sector
Who should attend
We are seeking diverse perspectives from property professionals, technology developers, legal and compliance specialists, regulators, and policymakers.
To find out more or get involved, please contact the team below:
Elis Thomas
Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK
Elis Thomas
Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK
Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on Semiconductors and Digital ID.
He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.
Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
Digital identities will provide a gateway for citizens and SMEs into the digital economy. techUK members demonstrate the benefits of digital identity to emerging markets, raise their profile as thought leaders, influence policy outcomes, and strengthen their relationships with potential clients and decision-makers. Visit the programme page here.
techUK Digital ID Report
Following the UK Government’s announcement on the introduction of mandatory digital ID on 26 September, techUK has published a new report outlining a clear roadmap to support the successful and trusted rollout of digital ID across the country.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work. This includes work programmes on AI, Cloud, Data, Quantum, Semiconductors, Digital ID and Digital ethics as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy. In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List. She has also been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the tech agenda in the UK, in December 2025 Sue was appointed to the UK Government’s Women in Tech Taskforce by the Technology Secretary of State. She also sits on the UK Government’s Smart Data Council, Satellite Applications Catapult Advisory Group, Bank of England’s AI Consortium and BSI’s Digital Strategic Advisory Group. Previously, Sue was a member of the Independent Future of Compute Review and co-chaired the National Data Strategy Forum. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries in 2020, Sue has been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and has been a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI, the UK Tech 50 and annual UK Cloud Awards. She is a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015, Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. Before that, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on Semiconductors and Digital ID.
He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.
Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.
