The property industry in England — encompassing estate agents, lettings agents, and managing agents — remains notably unregulated. In contrast to professions like law or healthcare, anyone can operate in this sector without formal qualifications. This lack of oversight has raised concerns about inconsistent service standards and consumer protection.
Why the Push for Qualifications?
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Driving Up Professional Standards
Industry bodies argue that requiring agents to hold a minimum Level 3 qualification, adhere to a Code of Practice, and pursue ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) would significantly improve service quality and public trust. -
Learning from Scotland and Wales
These regions already mandate training and licensing for letting agents. The results have been markedly better oversight and higher professionalism. England could benefit from similar regulation. -
Lessons from Social Housing
The Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 introduced mandatory qualifications for senior staff in social housing. This sets a precedent—and many argue that private sector agents should be held to the same standard.
What’s the Government Saying?
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Open Consultations Ahead
In late 2024, the Housing Minister confirmed the government’s intention to enforce mandatory professional qualifications as a baseline standard for managing agents. A public consultation is expected in 2025. -
Proposed Legislation in Motion
A Private Member’s Bill has been introduced calling for:-
An independent regulator for managing agents
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Mandatory qualifications and a “fit and proper” person test
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A statutory Code of Practice
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Licensing and enforcement powers to remove non-compliant agents
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Why It Matters
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Consumer Protection: Buyers, renters, and leaseholders become less susceptible to malpractice.
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Consistency: Everyone in the industry would be held to common standards of knowledge and ethics.
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Professional Recognition: It would help shift the image of estate and letting agents toward respected professionals.
What’s Next?
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The 2025 consultation will shape the details of the new requirements.
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Legislation and regulation may follow, potentially creating an independent regulator and licensing framework.
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Agents and managing companies should begin preparing for greater accountability and competency expectations.
At Oakfield, we welcome these proposed changes. We believe raising standards benefits both clients and the industry as a whole. Our teams are already either fully qualified or actively working towards their professional qualifications, ensuring we are ready for — and in full support of — a more regulated, professional property sector.