Call for unified commission system in real estate sector

Kochi: Kerala Real Estate Consultants' Association (KERECA) has called upon state authorities to standardize professional landscape of real estate market by implementing a unified commission system.The demand was the central focus of a high-level district committee meeting held in Kochi recently.Currently, real estate consultancy sector in Kerala operates with significant and unpredictable variations in brokerage fees. Lack of consistency frequently leads to heated disputes between agents and clients, creates a breeding ground for unethical practices and results in long-term financial instability for dedicated consultants, the association pointed out.KERECA argued that a fixed, transparent commission structure is no longer a luxury but a necessity to protect the interests of both consultants and public."By establishing a statewide standard, the association aims to eliminate unfair competition and bring professional dignity to the trade," stated district president Mithun Lal Mitra. He noted that a regulated fee structure would ensure that quality of service, rather than "under-cutting", becomes the primary competitive factor.Beyond financial regulation, the association also raised demand for labour recognition. Mitra emphasized that real estate consultants should be formally classified as workers under state labour laws."This classification is essential for providing legal protection against exploitation within what is currently a largely unregulated market," Mitra added. The association plans to submit a formal memorandum to state govt to fast-track the reforms.