What this means for agents
There is no suggestion that estate or letting agents were involved in this case. However, it highlights how criminals exploit gaps in systems linked to property, such as probate, and how this can lead to homes being fraudulently acquired and sold on.
Agents must stay alert, particularly when dealing with inherited property, unusual ownership structures or unexplained claims. Where an instruction involves an estate, check that the seller has the legal authority to act. Ask for probate documentation, look out for gaps in the paperwork, and question anything that doesn’t add up. If something feels off, seek clarification or report it through the proper channels.
Our money laundering and sanctions fact sheets provide practical steps to help agents meet their responsibilities and protect their business.
Weak checks leave loopholes wide open
The UK housing market is a highly desirable target for financial crime, and while the property sector remains largely unregulated, and without minimum standards to operate, the industry is vulnerable to attack.
Our position paper on economic crime sets out the risks posed by incomplete regulation, poor data verification, and a lack of coordination across government departments. Transparency is vital, but without robust checks and the ability for agents to rely on verified data, the system is open to abuse.
Stronger systems are needed across the board
The removal of the unclaimed estates list is a short-term fix. What’s needed is a system that can verify claims properly and prevent fraudulent activity at the source.
We need to ensure those working in the sector are qualified and regulated and we need a supervision regime that caters for the specific needs of the property sector.
Propertymark will continue to call for action from the UK Government to close loopholes, improve access to reliable information, and provide robust guidance for agents to comply with their legal and reporting obligations.
