02/09/2026
Most people assume estate agents are regulated in the same way as solicitors. They aren't.
Unlike solicitors, estate agents are not required to hold a professional qualification, there is no mandatory licensing scheme, and standards can vary significantly across the industry.
At the same time, practices such as referral arrangements continue to raise questions about transparency and whether buyers and sellers always receive fully independent recommendations.
In his latest article, our Head of Property, Mark Laird explores whether greater regulation could help improve standards, increase accountability and provide stronger protections for consumers.
Explore the key issues and what they could mean for buyers and sellers:
Could regulating estate agents improve conveyancing and protect consumers? Mark Laird explores the potential benefits and challenges.