A New Year surge in property searches, looming changes to mortgage rules and tighter rental regulation are set to make the use of qualified and regulated property agents more important than ever, according to Propertymark.
With the Financial Conduct Authority preparing to evolve mortgage lending rules and many households planning moves in 2026, activity across sales, lettings and refinancing is expected to pick up sharply in the early months of the year.
Industry bodies warn that higher volumes can expose consumers to greater risk if they fail to seek properly regulated advice.
Propertymark has cautioned that buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants who do not adequately vet agents could fall foul of rogue operators, particularly as market complexity increases.
RAISING THE STAKES
The organisation points to a combination of shifting lending criteria, legislative reform in the private rented sector and ongoing economic uncertainty as factors raising the stakes for consumers.
Unlike many other sectors, not all property agents are required to meet the same professional or regulatory standards. Propertymark members, however, must hold recognised qualifications, undertake ongoing professional development and comply with a formal code of practice covering transparency, ethical behaviour and the handling of client money.
Members are also subject to regular inspections and are required to belong to a government-approved redress scheme, giving consumers access to independent dispute resolution if something goes wrong.
ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK
Propertymark says this framework of accountability provides a layer of protection at a time when transactions are becoming more complex.
Nathan Emerson (main picture, inset), Chief Executive of Propertymark, says: “As mortgage rules evolve and the housing market responds to wider economic pressures, consumers need confidence that they are receiving accurate, up-to-date, and professional advice.
“Choosing a Propertymark member means working with an agent who is qualified, accountable, and committed to the highest standards of practice.
“In periods of uncertainty, professional competence is not optional; it is essential to protecting consumers and maintaining trust in the property sector.”
