The new era of regulation – still likely to be some time away – is set to be accompanied by a huge burgeoning of training providers.

The demand is likely to prove so large that Propertymark has said it was looking at its own capacity.

However, a new regulator, yet to be appointed, will approve training and qualifications – so any training now on offer may not fit the bill.

Mike Smith, head of qualifications at Propertymark, said that if there are any gaps between what it currently offers and the regulator’s curriculum, it will offer bridging or top-up programmes.

He said that when mandatory qualifications were implemented for agents in Scotland, there was a massive increase in learners.

Smith said: “Gaining a qualification counts as a real stamp of professionalism and supports the drive for better practice within the industry.

“Agents who do not currently have a Level 3 qualification (at a level equivalent to A-level) should prepare as early as possible to ensure they are well equipped for when the proposed qualification and regulatory requirements are introduced.”

Meanwhile a new Level 3 qualification has been launched by Able Agent.

The ABBE Certificate in Property Advice and Practice is registered with Ofqual.

It involves just one exam sitting designed to demonstrate knowledge of sales and lettings, with the option to progress to a diploma.

The Regulation of Property Agents working group has proposed a minimum Level 3 industry qualification for all staff in key roles. It has been suggested that agency bosses could have to be qualified further, to Level 4.

The likely timescale of implementation has not yet been set out.

The Government first has to respond to the working group’s report, although it has already made welcoming noises.

On the assumption that the proposals are accepted, it then has to create and appoint a new regulator, and a new over-arching code of practice which will be enshrined in law.

Other codes of practice, governing different sectors of the industry, will also need to be in place.

There is also the possibility of a few complications along the way that could disrupt any timetable – for example, a general election, Brexit and the probable appointment of yet another housing minister, to name just three.