The body said that it was currently considering four applications to run such a scheme, which was proposed under the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007.
The scheme was due to launch on 6 April but the OFT insisted that it needed more time to assess each application before announcing its decision.
A statement said: “In the course of the assessment process the applicants asked the OFT to look at certain issues relating to the operation of the redress schemes and as a result, the OFT is giving these issues further consideration before providing a detailed response.
"The OFT has agreed with the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform that there will now be a delay to the planned commencement date of 6 April, and will make an announcement about next steps as soon as possible.”
Under the redress scheme, estate agents would not be allowed to operate unless they belonged to an accredited Ombudsman.
The four schemes currently under consideration by the OFT would be operated by the Ombudsman for Estate Agents, The Surveyors Ombudsman Service Limited, IDRS Ltd, and the Register of Estate Agents.
Peter Bolton King, chief executive at the National Association of Estate Agents, said: “We welcome the beginnings of a more level playing field for agents.
"While the delay is disappointing, there are clearly elements that still need to be clarified. It is important that everything is complete to prevent complications at a later date. It is sensible to delay from that point of view.”
