Propertymark members given chance to sell charity land

New laws are set to give more estate agents the chance to sell charity land – as long as you are a Propertymark member.

Members of estate agent trade body now have the chance to expand their services in England and Wales through changes to the Charities Act legislation.

Previously only members of the Royal Chartered Institute of Surveyors (RCIS) were able to conduct advice for charities wishing to sell land, with charities needing a report from the RICS, before entering into an agreement of sale.

But Propertymark said it has been working with UK Government departments on the Charities (Dispositions of Land: Designated Advisers and Reports) Regulations 2023 to remove restrictions on who can sell land for charitable organisations.

The legislation now allows NAEA Propertymark members at fellowship qualification grade to provide advisers’ reports.

This follows recommendations from the Law Commission to expand the category of advisors to include the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA Propertymark).

Propertymark’s head of policy and campaigns, Timothy Douglas, said this change in legislation will provide charities with a greater choice in who can assist in the selling process.

He said: “This landmark change means that NAEA Propertymark members who hold fellow grade status can now undertake this valuable work, expand their services and support charities with a faster, more seamless selling process, while further cementing our industry's indispensable role in the charitable sector.”