Government action on estate agents soon?

The government's decision to delay its response to the Office of Fair Trading's report on estate agents has been seen by the Consumers’ Association as a sign that action may be imminent.

The delay in the decision, which was due last Saturday, can only mean the overwhelming clamour for regulatory change has finally opened the government’s ears and it is about to take decisive action in the interests of consumers, says Which?

The head of Which? campaigns, Nick Stace, said: "Home-movers are at a great disadvantage as there is little transparency in the home buying and selling process."

He added: "Weak regulation is failing consumers and does very little to address the problems and promote transparency. Presently there is little to discourage rogue agents from bad practice."

The missed deadline comes as Which? sets out the case for recommending classical regulation as the best way to rein in estate agent rogues.

Classical regulation would provide home-buyers with the best form of protection and, if implemented, the estate agency industry would be legally bound to provide clear information on what is, and what is not acceptable practice, argues Which?


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