Mandatory certification for realtors introduced in Uzbekistan starting November 8

A significant change in the functioning of the real estate market comes into force in Uzbekistan on November 8. The new 'Law on Real Estate Agency,' approved on August 7, abolishes the former licensing system and replaces it with mandatory qualification certification.

The discussion of this document was initiated by the UzLiDep party in Tashkent, involving representatives from various ministries, agencies, and market participants. A detailed explanation of the law's provisions took place on August 21 in Tashkent.

Key changes in regulation

The key innovation is the shift away from licensing towards qualification certification. To obtain a certificate, a specialist must undergo specialized training and successfully pass the corresponding exam; subsequently, their information is entered into the Unified Register. A realtor can only carry out their activities within a real estate organization and provided they possess a valid certificate.

This register will contain data on both the companies and their employees, allowing any citizen to verify a specialist's authority. A representative of the State Assets Management Agency noted that previously, the legislation lacked a clear definition of the term 'real estate agent' and lacked tools to verify such individuals. Now, any complaint against a person not listed in the Unified Register will serve as an official basis for initiating an investigation and applying relevant measures.

List of services and combating unofficial activity

The law also details the types of real estate services, including mediation in property transactions, conducting auctions, trust management, as well as providing consulting and advertising services. Special requirements have been established for trust management services: only a legal entity with at least two certified specialists on its staff can conduct such activities.

Significant attention during the meeting was paid to the problem of illegal employment. Currently, slightly over 300 specialists are officially registered in the country, but according to unofficial estimates and social media activity analysis, between 5,000 and 10,000 people provide real estate services without the appropriate status, with the majority of these workers concentrated in Tashkent and Samarkand. Bringing these intermediaries into the legal sphere has been recognized as one of the most important goals of this reform.

Current realtors must complete the certification process before November 8, as working without registration in the register and without a certificate will be prohibited after this date. Plans also include launching a multi-listing system that will ensure a 'one-stop shop' principle and automated data exchange with tax and cadastral services. Due to the large number of questions from market participants, discussions on the practical application of the new law will continue.

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Uzbekistan plans to tighten liability for violating urban planning norms and illegal construction

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