Award-winning estate agency Webbers welcomes the Government’s plans to introduce independent regulation of property agents, describing the proposals as positive news for buyers, sellers and responsible agents across the property industry.
The Government has announced its intention to introduce independent regulation of property agents for the first time, with the aim of giving leaseholders, tenants and homebuyers stronger rights and protections.
Under the proposed changes, property agents would be required to obtain a licence to operate and meet appropriate qualification requirements. An independent regulator would also have powers to establish codes of practice covering areas such as standards of conduct and complaint handling. Agents who fail to meet the required standards could ultimately have their licences removed.
The Government says the measures are intended to strengthen protections for more than five million existing leaseholders as well as future homeowners, with further details expected in due course.
Malcolm Prescott, Managing Director of Webbers, which was established in 1924, said: “This is good news for buyers and sellers and for the many estate agents like ourselves who, for many years, have been very positive about regulation in our profession. “As a business, Webbers are founder members of The Guild of Property Professionals, and part of that membership includes training for all customer-facing staff on the fundamentals of selling and buying property. So we are used to this sort of serious approach to our job.”
Malcolm continued: “Webbers are also members of Propertymark, which also supports our dedication to delivering high standards of service and care to our clients.”
Webbers has been serving property clients since 1924 and has built its reputation on professional service, local knowledge and a commitment to high standards across the property industry.
The proposed regulatory framework is expected to provide further details on the licensing, qualification and enforcement arrangements in due course.