The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has issued a serious warning about the risks of dealing with unregistered real estate agents. And let’s be honest, this isn’t just some bureaucratic red tape. Unregistered agents operate without proper training, oversight, or accountability, which means buyers and sellers could be walking straight into scams, dodgy deals, or costly legal messes.
With this in mind, Prop Data decided to dig a little deeper. We ran a poll to find out how industry professionals feel about these so-called “agents” and the impact they have on the real estate market. The results? Eye-opening. From concerns about reputation damage to frustration over unfair competition, there’s no doubt that illegal operators are shaking things up in all the wrong ways.
So, what exactly did we uncover? And more importantly, what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.
In February 2025, Prop Data polled property practitioners to find out how they felt about unregistered real estate agents. The results found:
65.8% said they were “extremely concerned”.
23.3% said they were “very concerned”.
5.8% said they were “moderately concerned”.
4.4% said they were “not at all concerned”.
0.8% said they were “slightly concerned”.
This poll revealed a strong consensus among property practitioners about the risks of unregistered real estate agents. A significant 65.8% of respondents expressed extreme concern, while 23.3% were very concerned, highlighting widespread unease in the industry.
Meanwhile, 5.8% took a more moderate stance, and a mere 0.8% were only slightly concerned. Interestingly, 4.4% weren’t concerned at all, standing out as the exception rather than the norm.
These results paint a clear picture. The majority of industry professionals see unregistered agents as a major issue, reinforcing the need for stricter enforcement and awareness to protect the integrity of real estate transactions.
Despite economic challenges, property practitioners highlighted a movement in the mid-to-upper segment as the second biggest trend. “Buyers are looking for value in a stabilising market,” says Helena. “Many sellers in this category are adjusting their pricing expectations, which has created opportunities for buyers who previously held off due to high costs. Additionally, lifestyle upgrades remain a key motivator for families and professionals.”
What agents say should be done
Property practitioners aren’t messing around when it comes to unregistered agents. According to Prop Data’s poll results, they want stricter rules and real consequences. The top suggestion? Heavy fines and a lifetime ban from ever registering. When asked for his thoughts on what should be done, Tiaan Boshoff, Non-Principal Property Practitioner at Harcourts Mossel Bay, says, “They should be fined for operating illegally if we are going to require people to register and earn qualifications. Sadly, there is no place to report such individuals, which I have tried. You can report a registered agent, so in effect, it is riskier to be a compliant agent at this stage than just doing what you like, and it costs money.” Many also believe agency principals should be held accountable if they let unregistered agents work under them.
There’s also a big push for legal action, with calls for prosecution, blacklisting, and even jail time for repeat offenders. Some want conveyancers and attorneys to stop handling deals involving unregistered agents, cutting off their ability to operate altogether.
On the tech side, there’s support for a verification app that lets buyers and sellers check an agent’s credentials instantly. Others want more consumer education, tighter PPRA enforcement, and even undercover stings to catch rule-breakers in the act.
According to Nadia Hurter, Team Leader at EXP South Africa, “The PPRA claims it wants inclusivity yet they make the fees and requirements so onerous that most agents drop off as it is unaffordable. What should happen is the PPRA needs to be represented by experienced agents and their ridiculous fees need to be dropped. Then and only then should they be fining people for not operating within the confines of the governing body/law as then there is zero excuse.”
How you can help
It’s clear that unregistered agents pose a serious threat to the integrity of the real estate industry, and both the PPRA and the real estate community need to work together to tackle the issue. While stricter penalties, better enforcement, and industry-wide cooperation are all crucial, real change will only happen if everyone plays their part — from agents and principals to conveyancers, attorneys, and even buyers and sellers.
By staying vigilant, pushing for accountability, and ensuring only registered professionals operate in the market, the industry can protect its reputation and maintain trust. It’s not just about following the rules but, creating a safer, more professional space for everyone involved.