A welcome move, long overdue – that was the reaction from Mansbridge Balment Plymouth boss Darren Lawson as the Government announced plans for sweeping reforms to the estate agent industry.
Under the far reaching proposals, agents will be required to hold professional qualifications and be completely transparent about fees, as Ministers seek to raise standards and root out rogue agents.
Darren said the professional standards agents will have to meet – which will bring them in line with conveyancers, solicitors and surveyors – was only right and proper. Mansbridge Balment has a branch in North Plymouth at Woolwell Lane and a City branch in Mutley.
“In recent years, at Mansbridge Balment Plymouth, we have been increasingly vocal about the need for tough reforms to our industry, driving out the rogue agents, bringing proper transparency to the property transaction process and making it simpler and more efficient” said Darren.
“I am delighted that the Government has now sat up and paid attention to our calls and those of the many other agents who consistently ply their trade with honesty and integrity. Like us, they have nothing to fear from these tough new measures, which will afford much needed protection to the consumer.”
Mansbridge Balment Plymouth is one of the few agents in the city fully licensed by the National Association of Estate Agents, (NAEA) an organisation which has also campaigned tirelessly to persuade the Government to introduce formal legislation to the industry.
The reforms were announced by former Housing Secretary Sajid Javed, who says delays and complications during the house sale and purchase process causes unnecessary financial and emotional stress.
He also wants to encourage the use of voluntary reservation agreements to try and stop sales falling through and to crack down on gazumping.
Trading standards will also be given more powers to take enforcement action against agents, who fail to meet the new standards, which will include bans.
“It is madness to think that people could entrust the most important purchase of their lives to someone who may have absolutely no experience in house selling and isn’t required to have an industry qualification of any kind,” added Darren.
“Thankfully, the Government is doing its best to finally putting an end to such madness. It’s a welcome move that is long overdue.”
