Minimum qualifications proposals to take ‘at least’ three years to become law

ARLA Propertymark has confirmed that the introduction of a minimum qualifications standard for estate agents is unlikely to see the light of day until 2023 at the earliest and possibly not until the mid-2020s, according to Chief Executive David Cox. The proposals from the Regulation of Property Agents (RoPA) working group published last month would see a minimum Level 3 NVQ ‘A level’ standard applied across the industry for back and front-end office staff. But Cox says much has to be achieved before any legislation goes live including at least one consultation, the framing of draft legislation and the parliamentary approval process. “And that’s assuming we don’t have a general election getting in the way,” he says. “Nevertheless, I would encourage agents to start planning.” Higher calibre estate agents RoPA’s proposals have been applauded by the managing director of the industry’s best-known recruitment firm, Anthony Hesse (left) of Property Personnel, who says it will help attract a higher calibre of job applicant to the sector. “As well as higher standards across the industry as a whole, the added bonus is that we are more likely to attract the quality of applicant who sees a qualification as recognition of their skills,”…