Agents old and new to have at least one A level under Labour

Shadow minister says his party would require minimum standards for all agents and business owners to ‘drive out cowboys’

 

Labour has proposed new regulations for the estate agency sector, requiring all agents to possess at least one A level (equivalent to a Level 3 apprenticeship), and mandating agency owners to hold degree-level qualifications (equivalent to a Level 4 or higher apprenticeship). These regulations have been introduced as an amendment to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill currently progressing through Parliament.

 

While the likelihood of this amendment becoming law is uncertain, it strongly signals Labour’s intentions regarding estate agency sector regulation once in power, especially considering their current lead in the polls over the Tories. Notably, Propertymark’s policy chief, Timothy Douglas, revealed that the proposed rules could be applied retroactively.

 

Under these new requirements, current agents may be compelled to return to education if they lack the minimum qualifications. A grace period might be provided for them to comply with the updated entry standards. These requirements bear resemblance to the Regulation of Property Agents (RoPA) proposed by Lord Best in 2019, which stirred controversy. In October of the previous year, Shadow Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, responsible for the recent amendments, expressed the intention to implement RoPA should Labour come into power. This would include a statutory code of practice, a fit and proper person test, and mandatory membership of a professional body.
 

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Government roadmap puts property qualifications centre stage

The government’s new Home Buying and Selling Reform Roadmap makes one thing clear: the property sector is moving towards higher standards, stronger professional expectations and, in time, mandatory qualifications for estate and letting agents. While the consultation on minimum qualifications is not due until 2027, the direction of travel is already set.

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