Huge reform of estate agency firms STILL being considered four years on – LandlordZONE

The government has confirmed it is still deliberating whether to bring in property agency qualifications and minimum standards in the sector, almost four years after the Regulation of Property Agents (RoPA) published its recommendations.

RoPA’s report outlined proposals back in July 2019 after it was tasked to advise the government on a new regulatory framework to help raise professional standards in the industry.

Housing Minister Lucy Frazer (main picture) says she is considering the recommendations; last May, Frazer’s predecessor Eddie Hughes, gave the same response.

Poor service

Answering a written question from Conservative MP Tom Hunt, she said the government was committed to making sure that homeowners and tenants were protected from abuse and poor service.

“This commitment includes raising professionalism and standards amongst property agents (letting, estate and managing agents), protecting consumers while defending the reputation of good agents from the actions of rogue operatives.”

RoPA’s report made recommendations on a model for an independent property agent regulator, a single, mandatory and legally enforceable code of practice for property agents and a system of minimum entry requirements and continuing professional development for property agents.

Frazer added: “We welcome the ongoing work being undertaken by the industry itself to raise professionalism and standards across the sector, including on codes of practice for property agents. We will continue to work with industry on improving best practice.”

Propertymark has called on the government to respond to the report and implement its recommendations.