The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has called for mandatory qualifications for estate agents, arguing that the current lack of regulation is contributing to failed transactions and inefficiencies in the UK property market.
Justin Young, Chief Executive of RICS, said estate agents occupy “one of the greatest points of influence” for buyers and sellers, yet the sector remains largely unregulated with no consistent requirement for competency or conduct.
“This lack of regulation has consequences,” Young stated. “Errors and poor practice by a minority of estate agents erode trust, waste time and impose unnecessary costs on buyers, sellers, and the wider property market.”
Impact on transaction efficiency
Speaking to the Times, Young said that mandatory training and qualifications would “drive better customer service, improve transaction success rates and support the overall health of the market”, whilst also reducing inefficiencies that can delay or derail sales.
“Untrained estate agents can provide incorrect information to buyers and sellers or create additional work for conveyancers, which can slow down or derail transactions entirely,” he explained. The comments come amid broader concerns about delays in property transactions affecting the UK market.
Young also warned that the growing use of AI tools in property transactions adds further risk without proper oversight. “Without training and guidance, AI tools can lead to false confidence and over-simplification, potentially undermining transactions.”
International comparisons
Young noted that the UK is an outlier compared with countries such as Canada, Australia and the US, where estate agents must be licensed and qualified. Previous efforts to introduce regulation in the UK have had limited impact.
Recommendations set out in Lord Best’s 2019 review for a new regulatory framework have not been implemented, and the Government’s more recent consultation on home buying reform, which closed in December 2025, has yet to lead to change.
The RICS chief added that introducing qualifications would not restrict access to the profession but instead “provide a clear route into estate agency” and help attract new talent. The call for regulation comes as the industry faces pressure to improve standards, with letting agents also being urged to reassess their business practices.
The proposal would bring the UK in line with international standards and potentially reduce the costs associated with failed transactions in the property market.
