As a broker in the UK, I encounter daily obstacles from estate agents who engage in practices that unfairly disadvantage both consumers and independent brokers. The current lack of regulation allows estate agents to engage in 'conditional selling,' where they financially incentivize estate agents to sell their in-house services, which may not always align with the clients' best interests. This is not only damaging to the industry but also puts consumers at risk of making uninformed and potentially detrimental financial decisions. We need estate agents to be regulated the same way brokers, conveyancers and surveyors are. 
I have partnered up with FT Adviser  to ensure that we share this far and wide, they have been doing some exceptional work on bringing conditional selling into the spot light and ensuring this stops! See their page below for all the hard work they have been doing!

https://www.ftadviser.com/conditional-selling/

Estate agents function as critical facilitators in the housing market. However, without stringent regulations, some exploit their position for profit, compromising the trust and security that clients expect in such significant transactions. The practice of conditional selling often leaves consumers with limited choices and pressures them into utilizing specific brokers, potentially at a greater financial cost or with unfavorable terms.

According to a study by the National Association of Estate Agents, over 60% of homebuyers feel pressured to use services recommended by their estate agents. These numbers highlight a pressing need for governmental intervention to protect consumers. Moreover, other countries have already introduced legislation that supports transparency and fairness in real estate transactions. The UK must follow suit.

We petition the Government to establish an Independent Body, funded by the Estate Agents to regulate where required, monitor reports and enforce current regulations. Estate Agents should provide a leaflet to buyers, signposting them to Unbiased.co.uk and notifying them that the choice of Mortgage Advisor, Surveyor, Lender or Conveyancer will have no effect on their bid. With clear guidance on how to report instances of conditional selling for consumers and professionals 

By doing so, we can restore faith in the real estate market and ensure that all parties involved are making well-informed decisions.

Sign this petition to urge the UK government to take decisive action in regulating estate agents for the betterment and protection of all consumers.