Propertymark says it’s to engage with government to get more details of its plans for mandatory regulation of agents.

Reflecting on the party conference season, Propertymark chief executive Nathan Emerson has repeated an official welcome for Labour’s proposals requiring agents to have a licence and appropriate qualifications. 

A regulator would set standards for conduct and complaints handling, with powers to remove licences where agents failed to meet those standards.

Emerson comments: “We have long called for regulation that protects consumers and recognises the knowledge and skills needed to work in property agency. 

“A consistent framework should also create fairer conditions for responsible businesses that already invest in qualifications, training and compliance.

“Professional property agents are increasingly being undercut by unqualified and inexperienced operators who are not held to the same professional standards. 

“This is unfair to responsible businesses that invest in qualifications, training and compliance, and leaves consumers exposed to poor practice without adequate protection.”

He continues that building on the professional standards, structures and good practice already established across the sector will be critical to making this a success and ensuring the new regime is understood, enforced and adhered to consistently.

But he admits that “important details remain unresolved” including the qualifications required, licence funding, transitional arrangements and implementation timetable. 

And he says agents also need clarity on how the regulator would work alongside existing redress schemes and professional bodies. 

“We will continue to engage with officials to ensure the framework builds on established standards and reflects the practical work of agents.”