Our protests fell on deaf ears, says Hamptons

Hamptons may not have been on BIS’s consultation list, but like other concerned agents – the numbers are as yet unannounced but should be in due course – made its views known anyway.

Yesterday afternoon, the agent said its advice had fallen on deaf ears.

Marc Goldberg, head of sales at Hamptons International, said: “Maintaining a professional standard of estate agency is absolutely paramount to Hamptons International and we are concerned to hear the  announcement that the Estate Agents Act will be changed and the Property Misdescriptions Act is to be repealed. 
 
“During the consultation process, we wrote to the Government to advise that these changes would result in significantly less consumer protection, and we are sorry to see this advice has fallen on deaf ears. 
 
“The PMA has long provided important reassurances to buyers and sellers alike that any property on the market is accurately and fairly described. 

“Going forward, we would urge all buyers and sellers to have their wits about them if they choose to engage with new operators in the market who will jump to take advantage of this legislative change.
 
“With or without this legislation, Hamptons International is committed to providing outstanding customer service to its clients and will continue to abide by the principles outlined by the Property Misdescriptions Act.”