Personally, I think introducing one would be a good thing. It might help separate the professionals from the cons, or at least distinguish the agencies that are serious about building a long-term business from those looking to make a quick buck.
I have worked in property for more than 25 years and I am still learning. That is why I struggle with the idea that somebody can enter the industry with almost no experience and suddenly present themselves as a professional realtor.
Property is not just opening doors and showing somebody a swimming pool. A good agent should understand the local market, ownership structures, contracts, title deeds, developers, construction quality, pricing, negotiation, rentals and resale. Just as importantly, they need professional integrity.
Unfortunately, the barrier to entry is very low. Almost anybody can decide tomorrow morning that they are a property agent. A Facebook page, some copied listings and a mobile phone can suddenly become a real-estate business.
That does not mean every newcomer is bad. Everybody has to start somewhere, and there are talented people who learn quickly and become excellent agents. But there are also too many people with little property knowledge, almost no understanding of the legal side and one main objective: earning the commission.
That is where clients can get hurt. Poor follow-up, inaccurate information, copied listings, properties advertised long after they have been sold or rented, unrealistic promises and sometimes very little professional integrity are still far too common.
Would licensing solve all of that? Of course not. A driving licence does not automatically make somebody a good driver either. But at least it creates a minimum standard.
I would welcome a system where somebody calling themselves a professional property agent has to demonstrate basic knowledge, follow a code of conduct and accept some accountability when things go seriously wrong.
Even with licensing, however, I would still tell buyers to look beyond the certificate. How long has the agency been operating? Do they really know the area? Do they have a proper office and team, and can they explain the transaction clearly? Most importantly, are they willing to tell you when they think you should walk away from a property?
That last point matters to me. Anybody can tell a buyer, "Yes, great property." Sometimes the most professional advice is simply, "I don't think you should buy this one." You may lose the commission, but you keep your integrity. In the long run, I know which one is worth more.