Ukraine wants to introduce mandatory certification of realtors: what will change for buyers and tenants

In Ukraine, they plan to reform the real estate market and establish new rules for the work of realtors. In particular, it is proposed to introduce mandatory certification of specialists, accreditation of real estate agencies and strengthen the responsibility of intermediaries to clients.

The relevant changes are provided for by draft law No. 16145, registered in the Verkhovna Rada.

Why do they want to reform the real estate services market

According to the authors of the draft law, about 90% of transactions for the purchase, sale and rental of housing in Ukraine are carried out with the participation of intermediaries. At the same time, a significant part of this market remains in the shadows.

Despite the legislative requirements for reporting on rental transactions and conducting financial monitoring, the relevant norms are often ignored.

According to the initiators of the reform, insufficient control over the activities of realtors creates conditions for fraud, tax evasion and violation of citizens’ rights.

In particular, among the common risks are the concealment of information about the technical condition of housing, the presence of registered persons in it, as well as the conclusion of contracts with violations of the law.

What changes are proposed to be introduced

The draft law provides for the creation of a system of professional self-government of realtors on a principle similar to the organization of the activities of lawyers, notaries and auditors.

Among the main innovations:

Mandatory certification of realtors to confirm professional qualifications.

Accreditation of real estate agencies in accordance with established requirements.

Introduction of uniform professional standards for the work of intermediaries.

Definition of the rights, obligations and legal liability of realtors and clients.
Extension of regulation to transactions with unfinished construction objects and future real estate.

Strengthening financial monitoring of transactions in the real estate market.

It is expected that such measures will contribute to increasing market transparency and protecting citizens from unscrupulous intermediaries.

What will this mean for Ukrainians

If the bill is adopted, citizens who buy, sell or rent real estate will be able to count on clearer rules for the provision of intermediary services.

It is assumed that realtors will have to confirm their qualifications, and real estate agencies will have to meet the established requirements.

At the same time, the new rules may affect the work of private intermediaries who currently operate without proper professional registration.

When will the new rules come into effect

Currently, the proposed changes are at the legislative stage. For them to come into force, it is necessary to adopt the relevant law by the Verkhovna Rada and complete the procedures provided for by law.

The authors of the initiative note that the implementation of the reform will not require additional expenditures from the state budget.

Recall that in July 2025, an electronic petition on the regulation of real estate activities collected over 25.9 thousand signatures, which indicates public interest in establishing transparent rules in the real estate market.

Thus, mandatory certification of realtors has not yet been introduced, and the final requirements for specialists and agencies will depend on the wording of the law that will be adopted by parliament.