Real estate agents among the least trusted professionals in the country: Roy Morgan

The public believe real estate agents are less trustworthy than politicians, insurance brokers and lawyers, according to the latest Roy Morgan Image of Professions survey.

Real estate agents have been deemed the third-most dishonest professionals in the country, with only 9% of Australians aged 14 and over judging them the most trustworthy profession. Only car salesmen (at 4%) and advertising people (at 5%) are considered less trustworthy.

Real estate agents' honesty was also at the same level last year. Since 1987, agents' reputation has remained at a similar level, between 7% and 12%.

Real Estate Institute of Australia chief executive Amanda Lynch told Real Estate Business agents' poor reputation is not based in reality.

"The only way to address this perception is to maintain high-quality training and standards, and continue to fight against the proliferation of three-day quickie qualifications which are offered by outliers in the industry," she told the publication.

Roy Morgan's telephone survey was conducted in the evenings between 8 April and 10 April, with 598 respondents aged 14 and over.

The most trustworthy professionals nationally were nurses, with 92% of respondents considering them the most trustworthy professionals.