The Government is introducing extra protection for people buying and selling homes.

Consumer Minister Gareth Thomas laid an order in Parliament requiring all residential estate agents to belong to a redress scheme by 1 October.

Mr Thomas said: "People who experience problems with an estate agent will soon have access to a free, easy to use ombudsman. The scheme will be transparent, independent and fair. It will speedily resolve complaints and will have the power to award compensation.


"Buying or selling your home is a life changing decision. It can cause people real stress and worry. Our measures should take some of this worry away and drive out the rogues that give honest businesses a bad name."

Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive of the National Association of Estate Agents said: "We welcome and support the fact that every agent will have to belong to a redress scheme. This will help to create a more level playing field and to raise standards to the benefit of consumers and honest businesses. We see this as an important step - after all buying a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions we ever make."

(CD/JM)