Consumer protection for people buying and selling residential property in England and Wales receives a massive boost today.

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has approved the Ombudsman for Estate Agents’ application to run a redress scheme under the Housing Act 2004 in respect of Home Information Packs (HIPs).

From 1 June, all estate agents in England and Wales will be required to join the OEA scheme covering complaints about their conduct with regard to Home Information Packs and offering complainants redress, including the possibility of compensation of up to £25,000. should an estate agent be deemed to have breached relevant rules.