Estate agents in Jersey will have to sign up to a government-approved complaints system.

States Members have voted overwhelmingly for Deputy Max Andrew's proposal  - amended by Ministers - for an official and compulsory redress scheme.

The wording was changed from 'a statutory regulatory body'.

Deputy Andrews had wanted to see a wants to see a required level of specialisation from those selling properties but he described this as a 'step in the right direction'.

"We can introduce a redress scheme, but also we need to be open-minded. There most definitely is a need to ensure estate agents, and maybe in extension, all property agents, should undertake professional qualifications."

The redress scheme is likely to be in place by the end of next year, following a consultation with the industry.

Estate agents will be required to be members of the scheme.

"There is much that goes on that is not being reported, and I do believe this will remain an issue, even with the redress scheme being in place, but for those that do report their circumstance to a redress scheme, at least we will see something that is enforceable, and we will see estate agents being held to account."

https://t.co/3dC6HcDvmy

I am very pleased the States Assembly supported my proposition to introduce a redress scheme.

— Deputy Max Andrews (@MaxandrewsJ) April 19, 2023