Who Regulates Estate Agents?

The UK’s housing stock is worth trillions of pounds, and much of the buying and selling of properties of all shapes and sizes is handled by estate agents.

With such a significant responsibility, it’s only natural to assume that estate agents are regulated to ensure high standards and proper practice. But is that actually the case? This guide looks at who regulates estate agents in the UK property market. But also at what the Government’s newly announced plans for licensing and qualifications could mean for buyers, sellers, renters and landlords.

Are estate agents regulated in the UK?

The short answer is…sort of. Estate agents are required to abide by the Estate Agents Act 1979 (EAA).
And the consumer protection rules in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), which replaced the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 in April 2025. They must also belong to an approved redress scheme under the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007.

However, estate agents don’t currently need formal qualifications or a licence to work in the industry. That means anyone can set up an estate or letting agency without experience or training. Essentially, estate agents aren’t regulated the same way as many other professionals in other industries, where formal qualifications are needed to perform specific roles.

That looks set to change. The Government has announced plans for independent regulation of property agents, including mandatory licensing and qualifications. We cover what’s been announced further down this guide.

Who regulates estate agents in other countries?

While regulation isn’t particularly robust in the UK, other countries have taken a more stringent approach. France, for example, has the strictest rules in Europe. It’s regulated by the Loi Hoguet of 1970 and the Implementation Order of 1972, which means estate agents must have a professional card to operate. To get one, they need a relevant qualification, such as a degree in a related field, or proven professional experience.

In Italy, real estate professionals must have a minimum of 80 hours of course preparation or a diploma in accounting, and pass an exam before they can register to practise.

However, these two countries seem to be outliers. Like the UK, Spain doesn’t currently require agents to have any experience before becoming an estate or letting agent. However, some regions, such as Catalonia, run their own registers. Germany requires agents to hold a trade licence. Since 2018, agents must complete 20 hours of training every three years, but there’s still no formal entry qualification.

How does the current UK estate agent regulation work?

As stated above, there’s a basic level of regulation in the UK.

The EAA 1979 sets a minimum standard of behaviour across the profession, while the DMCCA protects consumers from misleading trading practices, as well as aggressive sales practices. However, this is not exclusive to estate agents and includes all businesses trading with consumers. The DMCCA also gave the Competition and Markets Authority new powers to fine businesses directly for breaking consumer law.

The Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 also requires all UK estate agents engaging in residential work to belong to an approved redress scheme that deals with complaints about the buying and selling of property. Letting agents in England must also belong to a redress scheme, and to a client money protection scheme if they hold money on behalf of landlords or tenants.

The National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT) acts as the regulator for estate agents and, in England, letting agents. It has the remit to assess if an individual or business in any part of the UK is fit to carry out estate agency work within the terms of the Estate Agents Act 1979. It also sets out the “material information” agents must include in property listings, such as the council tax band, tenure and price.

Better regulation with Propertymark

While estate agents don’t officially need any experience, the best ones belong to membership bodies like Propertymark and have relevant qualifications. Propertymark is the leading membership body for property agents. It has approximately 18,000 members who must adhere to its Conduct and Membership Rules.

Buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords using a Propertymark member agent receive more protection than if they used unregulated agents. Members must abide by Propertymark’s high standards. And there is a complaint procedure for consumers who don’t believe specific standards have been met.

Using a Propertymark agent gives consumers more protection. It also increases the chances of using a qualified estate agent who adheres to set rules and standards.

What is RoPA?

The Regulation of Property Agents (RoPA) Working Group is committed to delivering a framework focused on estate agents in the UK and letting and managing agents in England. Propertymark played a key role in the RoPA Working Group, which wants Government regulation to ensure everyone operating in the industry is licensed and adheres to a strict code of practice.

In 2019, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published a report outlining RoPA’s recommendations for industry licensing and qualifications. The working group was tasked with advising the Government on a new regulatory framework to help raise professional standards in the industry.

RoPA recommends:

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

A housing industry regulated by the Government means agents would need to be licensed and have the relevant qualifications to sell and let property. Ultimately, it offers more protection for consumers and greater transparency over industry operations.

For several years the report’s recommendations were not acted on. But they have shaped the plans the Government has now announced.

Government announces independent regulation of property agents

Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, the Housing Secretary announced plans to introduce independent regulation of property agents. Including mandatory licensing and appropriate qualifications. The plans form part of wider proposals for further leasehold reform. And target poor practice in estate agency, letting agency and property management.

What has been announced?

• Licensing and qualifications: property agents would need a licence and appropriate qualifications to operate.
• Independent oversight: a regulator would set codes of practice covering professional conduct and complaints handling, with powers to revoke licences where standards are breached.
• Caps on leaseholder fees: new powers would allow the Secretary of State to cap permission and administration fees. Including on privately managed estates.
• Public consultation: the Government will ask for views on which leaseholder fees should be capped and at what level.

How does this build on earlier proposals?

The Government had already committed to a voluntary Code of Practice and to consulting on mandatory qualifications as part of its roadmap for home buying and selling reform. This announcement goes further, and closely reflects what the RoPA Working Group recommended back in 2019.

The details are still to come, including which qualifications will be required, how existing qualifications and experience will be recognised. And how the new framework will fit with existing rules across the UK.

What does Propertymark say?

Propertymark supports action to protect consumers and to stop responsible agents being undercut by poor practice. It argues that any new framework should draw on the expertise of established professional bodies, recognise the standards their members already uphold and avoid unnecessary duplication.

It has also called for regulation to go hand in hand with leasehold and commonhold reform. So that residents taking more control of their buildings can rely on qualified, accountable professionals and clearer information about costs.

What does this mean for you right now?

Nothing changes straight away. The Government has said it will bring forward legislation as soon as possible. But hasn’t set a timetable, so the existing rules and protections described above still apply.

Creating a regulated body of estate agents

Currently, agents don’t need a licence or qualifications to operate in the sector, but that looks set to change. RoPA laid the groundwork, and the Government has now committed to legislate for licensing, qualifications and an independent regulator.

In the meantime, membership bodies like Propertymark continue to ensure excellent practice across the industry. With its agents having the relevant qualifications and offering a five-star service.

Until the new rules arrive, it’s worth checking that any agent you use belongs to a redress scheme and a professional body like Propertymark, and asking what qualifications their team holds.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an ombudsman for estate agents?

Yes, all estate agents must be members of an approved redress scheme such as The Property Ombudsman (TPO) or the Property Redress Scheme (PRS). These schemes provide a way for consumers to escalate unresolved complaints against estate agents.

How do I complain to an estate agent?

Start by raising your complaint directly with the estate agent in writing. If they don’t resolve the issue, you can escalate it to their redress scheme. This is either The Property Ombudsman or the Property Redress Scheme. These services are free and impartial. You’ll usually need to give the agent eight weeks to resolve things. Or receive their final response, before the scheme can step in.

Does the FCA regulate estate agents?

No, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not regulate estate agents. However, if an estate agent offers financial services such as mortgages or insurance, they may need FCA authorisation for that aspect of their work.

Is it worth complaining to the property ombudsman?

If you’ve had a poor experience and the estate agent hasn’t resolved your complaint, the Property Ombudsman offers an independent, free-to-use process that can lead to compensation or an apology where appropriate.

Are estate agents regulated by the FCA?

Not generally. Estate agents are not regulated by the FCA for their core services. But if they offer certain financial products, they must be authorised and regulated by the FCA in that capacity.

Who regulates estate agents in the UK?

The National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT) regulates estate agents under the Estate Agents Act 1979. All estate agents must also be part of an approved redress scheme. Such as The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme. The Government has announced plans for a new independent regulator, but this is not yet in place.

Will estate agents need a licence?

Under the Government’s newly announced plans, yes. Property agents would need a licence and appropriate qualifications to operate. Legislation is still to come, and no start date has been set, so there’s no requirement yet.

Last Updated: October 6th, 2026