More people would consider a career in estate agency if qualifications were required.

Anthony Hesse, managing director of the UK’s longest established estate agency recruitment firm, Property Personnel, was responding to last month’s report from the Regulation of Property Agents Working Group.

RoPA has recommended that agents have a minimum Level 3 qualification, equivalent to an A-level.

Hesse said that this would improve standards in the industry.

He said: “At this time every year, students across the country are considering their options after receiving their A-level results.

“Of course, we would welcome many of those people into the industry.

“Some of them will choose to go to university or college. But I believe that we would attract a higher calibre of applicant if they knew that they had to pass a minimum standard in order to succeed.

“As the law currently stands, becoming an estate agent requires no qualifications and no experience.

“As a result, it’s often seen as a transient job, rather than a professional career.

“But adding the kudos of a qualification means that some people who otherwise would dismiss the opportunity, might consider it after all.”

RoPA has also proposed that all agencies operating a residential property business will have to be licensed, and licensing should include a fit and proper person test for company directors.

All customer-facing staff employed within residential agency businesses should be licensed and hold a qualification at Level 3 or above.

In addition, all company directors and management agents would need to be qualified to a minimum of Level 4, and a new regulator will be appointed to oversee compliance with an overarching Code of Practice.