» Read the complete article

The National Association of Estate Agents has used the latest consumer confidence index as proof that more needs to be done to regulate ‘rogue’ estate agents.

According to the latest Consumer Confidence Index, the private sector renting, estate agents and house purchasing services all failed to achieve a CCI score of more than 63 out of 100.

According to the department for Business Enterprise Regulatory Reform, this score was a poor one – the renting and estate agency sector scored ‘low’ ion almost all parts of the survey.

Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the NAEA, says: "The BERR survey merely confirms what the NAEA has been saying for years – that a system to prove minimum competency standards should be introduced in an industry which up until now has been essentially uncontrolled.

"NAEA members sign up to our Rules of Conduct – but there is nothing to stop any Tom, Dick or Harry setting up shop on the High Street and handling the hard earned cash of Britain's families. This applies not only to the housing market, but also the private rented sector.

"Enough is enough. Now is the time for the Government to show that they are listening and to create a system that can protect responsible and trustworthy estate agents and rid the profession of cowboys."

To keep up with the latest News and comment on the UK buy to let market visit the Buy to Let Mortgage Blog