Many of Jersey’s property agents took advantage of the chance to get fully up to date on the latest changes in law and regulation at a recent Propertymark conference in St Helier.
According to Propertymark, the Jersey housing market is unique, and as such the conference was a chance for agents to learn from their peers about the market and influential factors that may bring changes.
Jersey-based agent Gill Hunt, director of Hunts Estates and fellow of Propertymark, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to hold a Propertymark conference here in Jersey. The number of property agents who want to be qualified and regulated is growing exponentially.
“It’s a career to be proud of. Property agents are trusted with hugely valuable assets and as such it’s imperative we continue to see a new breed who are changing the reputation of the profession.”
Propertymark and the Jersey Estate Agents Association (JEAA) have long been concerned about “low barriers of entry” to allow estate agents to operate in Jersey, and last year they met with authorities on the island to promote the need for higher standards in the profession.
The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel of the States of Jersey Assembly published a report recommending the introduction of regulation of estate agents.
In the report, it was stated that the “minister accepts that a degree of regulation and mandatory professional qualification for estate agents could generate benefit”.
Comments (1)
This is just blatant protectionism.
The existing agents in Jersey are just afraid to compete with better, smarter, cooler newcomers and so they want to stop them from opening up.
The result of this kind of restriction to trade, is always to reduce customer choice, which in turn forces down standards. The exact opposite of the stated goals.
The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel of the States of Jersey Assembly should be ashamed of themselves. This is nothing more than a conspiracy against the people.
Let the customers decide, that causes firms to compete, which in turn raises standards.
Such a shameful story. I feel truly sorry for the people of Jersey.