Given the recent revival of the property market, conflicts among estate agents at first-sale sites as they scrambled for clients happened from time to time. The EAA has also received complaints against exaggerated and false advertisements issued by estate agents. Such behaviours have seriously damaged the reputation of the practitioners and have created concern in industry and the general public.

Earlier on the Chairman of the Authority had a meeting with the senior management of several real estate agencies frequently engaged in the promotion of first-sale properties. The Chairman demanded the management of these companies to take effective measures to ensure the maintenance of good order at first-sale sites. Also, the trade was reminded that issuing of inaccurate or misleading advertisements would constitute a breach of the regulations.

Representatives of the real estate agencies at the meeting pledged their support to the EAA's decision to deal with the offenders seriously. They also agreed that the management of individual companies should be responsible for supervising their employees and ensuring the order of first-sale sites. They were unanimous in maintaining that their respective companies would not connive at employees engaged in any act against law and order, and those who were would be duly punished. The companies would issue internal guidelines to their staff to ensure orderly and compliant practice.

If estate agents engage themselves in altercations in public places, or cause nuisance to the public in the course of sales activities, or act in such a way that may cause danger to themselves and other road-users, they are in breach of the Code of Ethics promulgated by the EAA and may have even committed an offence against the law. Offenders may be subject to penalties including the revocation of licence, and serious cases will be referred to the Police.

Under the Practice Regulation, licensed estate agents are not allowed to issue any advertisement that is false or misleading, and disciplinary action will be taken against those who do.

Between late July and late September this year, the EAA enhanced enforcement at first-sale sites. During the course of inspection, a number of verbal warnings and/or letters of advice were issued to the practitioners.