Mandatory qualifications for estate agents would improve standards, reduce failed transactions, and restore trust in the homebuying process, RICS’ Chief Executive has claimed.

Justin Young (pictured) said estate agents sit at “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.”

“This lack of regulation has consequences. 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.”

Young told the Times that mandatory training and qualifications would “drive better customer service, improve transaction success rates and support the overall health of the market”, while 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 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.”

Introducing regulation

Young pointed out that the UK is an outlier compared with countries such as Canada, Australia and the US, where estate agents must be licensed and qualified, and that previous efforts to introduce regulation have had little impact.

Recommendations set out in Lord Best’s 2019 review for a new regulatory framework have never been implemented, and the Government’s more recent consultation on home buying reform, which closed in December 2025, has yet to lead to change.

He 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.