Property Agents identification

All property agents will have to display their Estate Agent Card prominently when carrying out estate agency work from March 1 this year.

This is part of the additional regulatory measures to be implemented by the Council of Estate Agencies (CEA) to raise the professionalism of the real estate agency industry and to safeguard consumer interest.

On these latest measures to protect consumer interest, CEA Executive Director, Mr Chionh Chye Khye commented: "Beyond the regulatory role, promoting consumer awareness and education are key focuses of CEA's work. CEA will work with CASE, HDB and the industry to raise consumer awareness, and to educate them on their rights and responsibilities when appointing salespersons for property transactions."

The Estate Agent Card will have the following information:  

• Name and licence number of the estate agent; 
• name and registration number of the salesperson; 
• recent photograph of the salesperson; and 
• expiry date of registration of the salesperson. 

Non-compliance could make agents liable on conviction to a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both.

The CEA's Public Register will be enhanced to display photographs of all salespersons.

Consumers are advised to access CEA's Public Register at www.cea.gov.sg to verify the information on the Estate Agent Card against that on the Public Register before engaging the services of salespersons.

Should they find an agent who is not on the register performing estate agency work, consumers can report the matter to the CEA.

In the event of a dispute, consumers who are unable to resolve the matter satisfactorily with their estate agent have recourse to CEA's Dispute Resolution Scheme, which was implemented on January 3 this year.