Demand for qualifications doubles as Rightmove helps agents get ahead of reform
- New data reveals a jump in estate and letting agents looking to get qualified, with Rightmove exam bookings more than doubling (+128%) compared to last year
- Leading property industry body Propertymark has seen a 51% uplift in demand for qualifications since April 2020, highlighting a long-term shift in the industry wanting formal qualifications
- The insight comes ahead of the anticipated government consultation response on home-moving reform, which includes proposed mandatory agent qualifications
- Research shows seven in 10 home-movers say they would prefer to work with a qualified agent
- Rightmove and Propertymark have launched new training routes towards two recognised property agency qualifications in response to the increased demand from agents
New data from the UK’s biggest property platform Rightmove shows estate and letting agents are increasingly investing time in professional qualifications, with bookings for Rightmove’s Certificate for Estate and Lettings Agents exam more than doubling (+128%) year on year.
This rise reflects a growing recognition that qualifications can help agents demonstrate their expertise and commitment with home-sellers, at a time when they are placing greater value on professional standards. Rightmove’s consumer research shows seven in 10 home-movers would prefer to work with a qualified agent, while over 70% of renters and homeowners believe agents should hold formal qualifications.
The data tallies with that of Propertymark, the UK’s leading professional body for property agents, which has seen demand for formal qualifications speed up at the start of this year.
Propertymark has also seen a 51% uplift in demand for qualifications since April 2020, highlighting a broader long-term shift in the estate agency industry wanting formal qualifications.
The insight comes ahead of the anticipated government consultation response on home-moving reform, which includes proposed agent qualifications. The consultation closed at the end of last year, with a roadmap for change expected in 2026.
In response to demand for more routes to formal qualifications, Rightmove & Propertymark have launched new sales and lettings training to qualify for two estate agency qualifications. The Propertymark Level 3 Certificate in Property Agency is available in both sales and lettings specialisms now.
It follows the launch of the Level 3 Certificate for Estate & Letting Agents (CELA) qualification on Rightmove in 2022, which is a dual sales and lettings course. The course was launched in response to estate agents asking for more ways to receive formal training and certification, ahead of potential regulation.
So far, over 10,500 estate agents have signed up to complete the qualification, which is included with Rightmove memberships.
Jason Charles, Rightmove’s Head of Education says:
“Agents are being asked to navigate more complex consumer expectations, and qualifications give them a practical way to show their expertise, build trust and differentiate their service. By making this training available through Rightmove membership, we’re helping agents get ahead of any potential regulatory change, and demonstrate the professional value they already bring to every move.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark comments:
“Working within the property profession is both rewarding and incredibly quick paced. It is a sector that is seeing vast evolution and one that represents exciting opportunities for those already working in the field, and crucially anyone considering such a career pathway.
“As with any vocational ambition in life, it becomes ever more essential to stay ahead of the curve via displaying demonstrable in-depth knowledge and understanding, two aspects consumers highly value and trust when they consider their property journey. Our own Insight tells us qualification and professional representation for agents is of extremely high priority and we look forward to working closely with Rightmove to promote excellence via nationally recognised qualifications.”
Mike Taylor, Managing Director at Burns & Reid in St. Helens says:
“We believe that professionalism truly matters. Full qualification enhances our expertise, sets us apart from many other agencies, and underpins our commitment to excellence. Our goal is for every member of our team to be fully qualified—giving our clients real confidence that they are dealing with knowledgeable, trusted professionals. It also ensures we operate on the same professional footing as solicitors and mortgage advisers, delivering a higher standard of service throughout the buying and selling journey.”
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