Propertymark reckons estate and letting agents should obtain professional qualifications before the government introduces mandatory requirements.
The trade body’s call follows the inclusion of measures to professionalise agents within the government’s wider programme of homebuying and selling reforms.
A non-statutory Code of Practice setting minimum best-practice standards for property professionals is expected to be published later this year.
The government has also committed to consulting during 2027 on mandatory qualifications for estate and letting agents operating in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
REGULATION MOVES CLOSER
The proposals represent the first significant move towards implementing parts of the framework recommended by the Regulation of Property Agents Working Group in 2019.
Scotland is not expected to be covered because it already operates a separate regulatory framework for property professionals.
Propertymark says agents elsewhere in the UK should not wait for the consultation or subsequent legislation before improving their professional credentials.
Its members voluntarily submit to independent regulation and continuing professional standards despite statutory regulation not currently applying across much of the industry.
The organisation introduced its green Propertymark logo in April 2025 to give consumers a clearer way of identifying agents committed to qualifications, accountability and professional development.
QUALIFICATION DEMAND GROWS
Propertymark’s latest annual report showed that almost 3,500 learners registered for vocational study during 2025.
Some 7,400 examinations were completed and 1,500 people achieved a recognised qualification during the year.
Consumer awareness is also increasing. Propertymark said its partnership with Move iQ reached 1.5 million consumers in 2025, representing annual growth of 7%.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, says: “A Code of Practice and mandatory qualifications for property agents are two changes that Propertymark has long campaigned for, and we welcome their inclusion within the UK Government’s proposed homebuying and selling reforms.
“However, with consultation on mandatory qualifications not expected until 2027, there is no reason for property professionals to wait. Agents can take proactive steps now by gaining recognised qualifications and demonstrating their commitment to higher standards.
“With growing consumer awareness of Propertymark’s work and increasing demand for professional qualifications, there has never been a better time to invest in becoming a qualified property professional.”
