The compliance landscape is changing
HMRC recently named and shamed dozens of agents and businesses for failing to meet anti-money laundering (AML) obligations. Fines reached over £50,000 in some cases for failings like not registering or carrying out risk assessments.
At the same time, TPO’s latest annual review shows a clear increase in consumer complaints, with top issues including poor record keeping, lack of transparency, and failure to follow procedures. So far in 2025, nine businesses have been expelled from the scheme following failure to pay compensation awards to consumers.
These trends are worrying. They signal that enforcement bodies and consumers alike are paying closer attention to agent conduct — and won’t hesitate to act when standards slip.
What’s at stake?
Failure to comply with legal duties isn’t just about fines. The wider consequences can include removal from the HMRC register, damage to your business reputation, operational disruption during investigations, and, in the worst cases, criminal prosecution.
Poor due diligence doesn’t just breach the rules — it creates real vulnerability to fraud. Propertymark previously highlighted a case where a lack of verification allowed criminals to impersonate landlords and unlawfully sell properties.
With high-profile fraud and compliance failures increasingly in the spotlight, no business can afford to be complacent.
Responding to members’ challenges
Propertymark developed Company Advantage in direct response to what our members told us they needed. Independent agencies often face challenges competing with larger businesses on cost, efficiency, and compliance. By harnessing the collective buying power of our network, we can offer access to high-quality services at a fraction of the usual commercial rates. It’s tailored specifically for agencies with fewer than 20 branches, delivering better value, saving time, boosting income, and supporting legal compliance—all with minimal outlay. This is about creating a level playing field and helping smaller agencies thrive.
Company Advantage from Propertymark includes fully licensed AML checks as standard, helping businesses stay compliant while keeping transactions moving. With instant verification of buyers and sellers, including PEPs, sanctions screening and global adverse media alerts, agents can identify high-risk individuals and prevent fraud before it causes delays. Verified address history and mortality are also included to reduce identity risks.
Broader compliance support on demand
We ensured that members who choose Company Advantage are better placed to stay on top of changing legislation, meet expectations from consumers and regulators, and reduce the risk of fines or disputes.
Our dedicated compliance support hub is packed with the tools and guidance agents need to stay compliant and demonstrate professionalism with confidence, including:
- AML checklists and templates
- Standardised policies and procedures
- Complaint-handling and redress guidance
- Regular updates on legal and regulatory changes
It’s practical support that helps agencies avoid enforcement action, build trust with clients, and show their commitment to professional standards.
Company Advantage
Company Advantage leverages the buying power of Propertymark's member network to procure services at a fraction of their commercial rate—and pass the high-quality savings onto you. Benefits will vastly outweigh the cost, delivering a far higher return for every Company Advantage subscriber.
