Skipton joins digital homebuying service

Skipton Building Society has joined the digital homebuying service launched by its Connells and LMS brands.

The National Property Transaction Network (NPTN) aims to better connect the different parts of the homebuying process including estate agents, mortgage lenders and conveyancers.

It aims to enable key property, identity and financial information to be captured once and securely reused by the relevant parties throughout the transaction.

By connecting those involved earlier, NPTN aims to reduce duplication and fragmented communication, making the homebuying journey simpler and more connected.

For buyers and sellers, that could mean less repetition, fewer unnecessary delays and greater clarity about how their move is progressing. 

At a time when customers should be looking forward to their next chapter, they can instead find themselves navigating a process that feels fragmented and unpredictable.”

The platform brings willing brokers, lenders, agents and conveyancers onto a single platform to share information.

Early users include Moverly, Credas and Armalytix as well as Connells branches, LMS panel conveyancers and Lloyds.

Skipton Group’s expanded role in NPTN reflects growing momentum across the industry to make property transactions more connected and transparent through earlier, secure sharing of information.

The lender’s involvement will explore how information available across the property journey can be used earlier and more effectively, including through digital property identity, where key information about a property remains connected throughout its journey rather than being repeatedly requested or recreated at different stages of a transaction. 

Unnecessary complexities

Si Farrell-Roberts, Head of Lending at Skipton Building Society, says: “Buying or selling a home should be one of life’s most exciting milestones. Yet for too many people, that excitement can be overshadowed by unnecessary complexity, uncertainty and the frustration of delays. At a time when customers should be looking forward to their next chapter, they can instead find themselves navigating a process that feels fragmented and unpredictable. 

“We have a real opportunity to change that. By working with Connells Group, LMS and NPTN, we can make important property information available earlier and allow it to be shared securely between the organisations involved. 

“For buyers and sellers, that could mean less duplication, fewer delays and greater clarity about how their move is progressing. For lenders, having access to reliable information earlier can help us make faster, better-informed decisions for customers. 

“Ultimately, customers shouldn’t have to navigate the complexity of our industry. It’s our responsibility to remove as much of that complexity as possible, with the different organisations involved working better together around the customer. By doing that, we can give people greater certainty and confidence throughout their move and help make moving home the exciting and positive experience it deserves to be.” 

Chris Rosindale, Chief Operating Officer at Connells Group, adds: “Through this partnership, we can extend the reach of NPTN and continue to deliver on a key aim of the Government’s Homebuying and Selling Roadmap: making important property information available earlier and easier to share digitally. That can help make buying and selling a home smoother, more reliable and less stressful for consumers.  

“We’re keen to continue sharing those learning with Government and the wider industry so that improvements can benefit consumers across the whole market.”