Regulation of property agents - working group
In October 2018, the government announced a new working group was being set up to consider options for raising standards across the entire property agent sector. The group, made up of industry expert and chaired by Lord Best, will examine the case for regulation and the introduction of mandatory qualifications for all property agents - at present, anyone can operate as a property agent without qualifications or oversight.
The overarching aim of the group is to improve consumer protection in the letting and managing agent market, and to improve the home buying and selling process.
The membership of the working group is:
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Association of Residential Landlords (ARLA Propertymark)
- National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA Propertymark)
- National Trading Standards (NTS)
- Professor Christopher Hodges, Oxford University
- Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM)
- Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE)
- National Landlords Association (NLA)
- Citizens Advice
- Ombudsman Services
The group is to be tasked with developing advice for government on a model for an independent regulator, and how it will enforce compliance across the sector, as well as a mandatory and legally-enforceable code of practice for property agents. For more information, see Code of practice for letting and managing agents.
It will also explore options for minimum entry requirements and continuing professional development (CPD).
Housing Minister, Heather Wheeler MP said; “For too long, many people have faced incurring fees and bad service from a number of property agents. People should have confidence when buying, selling or renting a home. Lord Best’s wealth of knowledge will provide a valuable insight and help us make necessary changes to ensure consumers have confidence when buying, selling, letting or renting their home.”
The group has been instructed to report back to government in summer 2019.
(Ref. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/housing-experts-join-forces-to-boost-property-agent-standards)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Electrical contractors need to understand the practical implications.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.