It is almost four years since the government proposed that estate agents be regulated by an independent regulator, with mandatory qualifications, licensing and a code of practice.

The Regulation of Property Agents (RoPA) working group was tasked with advising on how to make this proposition a reality.

RoPA’s report recommended that:

+ All agencies operating a residential property business should be licensed and licensing should include a fit and proper person test for company directors

+ All staff delivering ‘reserved activities’ employed within residential agency business should be licensed and adhere to a Code of Practice

+ All staff delivering ‘reserved activities’ employed within residential agency business should hold a qualification at Level 3 or above

+ All company directors and management agents should hold a qualification at Level 4 or above

+ A new regulator be appointed to oversee compliance with an overarching Code of Practice

But would a proper licencing regime actually improve standards and, importantly, knowledge?

Watch now: