With HIPs set to launch in June 2007, the OEA has cast further doubts on their credibility and use in the market.
Stephen Carr-Smith, ombudsman for estate agents, said he would prefer to have estate agents licensed and belonging to a single ombudsmen scheme that could measure performance by a single code of practice.
He said: “The main objective was to try and introduce a greater degree of certainty between the buyer and seller in a very uncertain process. I’m not saying licensing in itself would be the answer, but I’m looking at it from the point of view of increasing consumer protection. A consumer is best protected if they can make sure the estate agent knows what they are doing.”
Carr-Smith added that while he was well aware the majority of estate agents did not like HIPs, they must still prepare for its introduction. “The government has gone one way and I would have gone another. But my priority is the consumer.”
However, Nick Salmon, fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and head of Sellers Pack Law is Not the Answer (SPLINTA) said: “The argument is almost irrelevant. The issues of the home buying process and the competency of an estate agent are separate.”
