Ex-EAA chief Vivien Chan wants higher standards for property agents

Property agents need to catch up with their peers in other professions on continuing industry education, says Vivien Chan, who stepped down as chairman of the sector's regulatory body last week.

Chan, who served six years at the Estate Agents Authority, said a 17-year-old law governing estate agents was overdue for an update.

A key priority is to introduce a compulsory continuing professional development scheme - by amending the Estate Agents Ordinance - as part of efforts to raise standards in the industry.

"A revision is needed as the industry has to catch up with what the market demands," Chan said.

The ordinance, which was enacted in May 1997, imposed requirements such as the licensing of agents and the need for them to include their licence number on all business cards and correspondence.

The EAA was set up to oversee the regulatory framework and handle complaints from consumers.