Article: Protect us from bad estate agents; WATCHDOG DEMANDS REGULATION TO WIPE OUT ABUSES COSTING VICTIMS THOUSANDS.

Byline: MIRA BAR-HILLEL

THE GOVERNMENT must act immediately to protect homebuyers and sellers from unscrupulous estate agents, Britain's leading consumer watchdog said today.

Which? is demanding mandatory regulation of estate agents to eliminate the worst abuses of the system, which leave some victims tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket. One option is an ombudsman scheme through which buyers can seek compensation.

Which? launched its campaign after an investigation into the industry. It uncovered estate agents giving preference to buyers who use their mortgage services; inventing offers to tempt buyers to increase their offer and failing ...

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