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 and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.