The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) in the UK have launched a new Propertymark organisation to cover the sales and lettings markets.
They announced that they are altering their emphasis from industry facing licensing to consumer protection with the launch of Propertymark which aims to speak with a single voice and unite the interests of all its audiences.
For over 50 years, ARLA and NAEA have represented the professional property sector to key audiences within the industry, media and to policy makers. Consumers however have had little awareness of either organisation. Having listened to members, and given the significant challenges the industry is facing, they have decided that the public needs a far better understanding of how to choose a property agent that has the consumer’s interest at heart.
The new focus unifies the two organisations as ARLA Propertymark and NAEA Propertymark.
‘Having a home is the most important issue for consumers and our members are there to protect and guide people with their property transactions,’ said David Cox, ARLA Propertymark chief executive, and Mark Hayward, NAEA Propertymark chief executive.
‘At present customers don’t know where to go for advice or can’t be sure if they are dealing with a professional. We are changing this. We will reach out to customers directly so they recognise Propertymark and understand that by using a Propertymark Protected agent they and their money are safe,’ they explained.
‘Propertymark is a stamp of approval for consumers when they seek professional property expertise in buying, selling, renting, leasing, or valuing a property. It stands for protection for the consumer, and offers the highest standards and qualifications among property professionals,’ they pointed out.
‘Propertymark Protected agents have opted for regulation in an unregulated sector, and provide reassurance for consumers as well as protection against rogue operators,’ they added.
