The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras) understands from SAEA that there are about 300 accredited agencies, with more than 6,000 agents

I REFER to the letter by Mr Low Swee Kim, ‘How is public protected if agents are not accredited?’ (ST, Aug 7).

The Government encourages and helps to improve the professional standards in the real-estate agency industry through efforts such as the Singapore Accredited Estate Agencies (SAEA) scheme. Consumers have to exercise care and make informed choices when engaging the services of real-estate agents. Discerning consumers would want to engage only suitably qualified estate agents, including those accredited under the SAEA scheme, to be assured of the quality of their services.

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras) understands from SAEA that there are about 300 accredited agencies, with more than 6,000 agents registered with them. There is an ample number of agents from accredited agencies to serve consumers.

Consumers may check whether an agency or agent is accredited by referring to the ‘Accredited Agents Directory’ on www.saea.org.sg.

Chin Li Fen (Ms)
Assistant Commissioner
(Corporate Services Division)
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore

Source : Straits Times - 11 Aug 2007