Government proposes mandatory broker register to curb collusion and misconduct

In response to mounting allegations of collusion and unfair bidding among Dutch real-estate agents, the housing ministry has drafted a compulsory broker register. Minister Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan addressed the proposal to the Tweede Kamer, aligning it with an independent dispute commission that can revoke registration for severe violations. The initiative follows nearly 1,400 reports to the Vereniging Eigen Huis since February, highlighting suspected price-fixing, non-disclosure of bid logs, and pressure on buyers to overbid.

A Verwey-Jonker Institute study commissioned by the ministry revealed that more than 25% of respondents suffered from poor broker conduct, predominantly from agents affiliated with NVM or Vastgoed Nederland, yet only 2% filed complaints. The proposed register would require members to accept a forthcoming code of conduct emphasizing transparency, accurate information, and equal treatment, and to join the dispute commission upon registration. Discussions with the two major broker associations and other stakeholders are slated for the next months to finalize the framework.