A new era of regulation could give a boost to full-service estate agents, and contribute to the public’s understanding of what they do.

Zoopla boss Charlie Bryant said that if the report of the Regulation of Property Agents working group is accepted, then it could also help agents’ fee levels.

Bryant said that in recent years the advent of other business models had had an adverse impact on traditional agents.

He said: “This should allow them to re-take the high ground in terms of public perception.

“A lot of the new models have circumvented traditional standards, but a new era of professionalism will help reinforce the value of a full service.

“It should also give commission fees momentum. At worst it should steady them, and at best improve them.”

However, Bryant said: “There could be a flip side to the new regulatory environment if it involves more cost and red tape for agents.

“They are already finding the market difficult, and spending more time and money on regulatory tasks is the last thing they need.”

Bryant said he was not against online agents: “I think the lines between online and traditional agents will blur over time. I can see the market moving to a menu of services, where the customer will be able to choose what they want.

“The important thing is that people fully understand the service level they will get.”