Every year, unlicensed agents cause Britain's homebuyers and sellers unnecessary stress and hassle - and sometimes loss of money - by giving incorrect or misleading advice or offering poor standards of customer service.

By using a Licensed NAEA agent you are guaranteed:

• That the agency is covered by a Client Money Protection (CMP) Scheme.
  • The NAEA have the ability to make discretionary grants (up to pre-set limits) if you suffer financial loss due to the bancruptcy or dishonesty of the member and/or their firm.
    
• That the agency has Professional Indemnity Insurance.
  • This ensures you are financially covered for successfull claims relating to members' negligence, bad advice or mishandling of data...
• To be consulting with a qualified and trained agent who can give you professional up-to-date advice and guidance.
  • All our members are required to carry out at least a minimum level of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) each year and many do more.
• That you are dealing with an agent who voluntarily follows the Code of Practice and Rules of Conduct laid down by their professional body.
  • If an agent does not follow the code, they can be fined or in the worst cases expelled from membership of the NAEA. Our disiplinary process includes everything from cautions and warnings right through to more severe penalties of up to £5000 for each rule breached. You can be sure that the highest standards are upheld by our members.
• That you have a route to redress should something go wrong.
  • It is a mandatory requirement that all our members belong to an independent redress scheme, the choice being either the Ombudsman Services:Property or the Propertry Ombudsman Service. This gives you the consumer an added level of protection. The Propertry Ombudsman Service can award payments of upto £25,000

As a member of the public:

You can be sure you are dealing with an experienced and professional agent, by choosing an NAEA member

Membership of the Association is through formal qualification ensuring that NAEA member agents have the knowledge and experience to guide you through your property transaction as smoothly and painlessly as possible. Operating under strict rules of conduct, members must meet certain standards relating to professional and ethical practice. Under the rules, agents are required to protect and promote their client's interests, while at all times acting in a fair and proper manner. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer at the hands of malpractice by an NAEA estate agent, the Association can take disciplinary action on your behalf.

You are better protected and will get higher standards from NAEA members