More than nine in ten estate agents want tougher industry regulation, while almost half say rogue or substandard operators are a problem in their local market.
A survey of 537 estate agents across England and Wales found that 92% support stronger regulation. This includes mandatory licensing and professional qualifications.
The research, commissioned by GetAgent, also found that 48% believe rogue agencies operate in their local area.
Poor knowledge of property law and regulation topped the list of concerns, with 21% identifying it as a problem.
Aggressive or unethical sales tactics followed at 16%. The same proportion highlighted misleading marketing or withholding important information.
Hidden fees and poorly trained staff each accounted for 15%.
Almost a third of respondents (31%) said damage to public trust was the biggest consequence of poor agency practices.
Another 16% highlighted the unfair competition reputable agents face.
Agents also identified problems for sellers. These included longer sales processes (14%), unnecessary fees (14%) and a greater risk of transactions collapsing (13%).
A further 9% pointed to lower achieved sale prices.
The findings come as the government considers reforms to improve standards across the home buying and selling process.
Agents back licensing but fear extra costs
Support for regulation was widespread, although agents disagreed over which measures would prove most effective.
A legally enforceable code of conduct and minimum professional qualifications topped the list. Each attracted 16% of responses.
Mandatory licensing, tougher enforcement and financial penalties also received support.
However, agents expressed concerns about the cost of additional regulation.
Almost a quarter (23%) identified increased operating costs as the biggest potential drawback.
Another 22% feared regulation could become a box-ticking exercise, while 15% raised concerns about additional administration.
The same proportion worried that smaller agencies might struggle to meet new requirements.
Despite these concerns, 20% believed mandatory licensing and qualifications would bring no significant downside.
Only 7% said existing regulation was sufficient, while 2% considered the industry over-regulated.
Colby Short, co-founder and CEO of GetAgent, said: “It only takes a relatively small number of operators falling short of those standards to damage confidence in the wider profession, and that’s clearly a frustration being felt by agents across the industry.”
He added: “Of course, regulation needs to deliver more than additional paperwork. The real value will come from tackling poor practices, protecting consumer confidence and creating a fairer environment where quality agents can compete on the strength of their service and results.”
The survey took place on 7 October 2026 through research platform FindOutNow. ProperPR commissioned the research on behalf of GetAgent.
Comments (1)
Estate agents need to be more professional and take compliance seriously. It protects consumers, protects agents and improves the reputation of our industry.
Why should firms like mine spend significant time and money complying with the law while competitors simply cannot be bothered?
Material information is a big one. Property descriptions should clearly include all relevant material information so buyers can make informed decisions.
If you spot an agent repeatedly failing to provide material information, report it to Trading Standards. They can investigate.
Estate.agency@powys.gov.uk
If everyone is expected to follow the same rules, everyone should actually follow them.