The UK’s Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched the Blue Book: Residential Estate Agency Standards – a guide for agents on how to conduct their business.

The book, described as “jargon-free and easy to navigate”, replaces the RICS Manual of Estate Agency. As Georgiana Hibberd explains on isurv.com, the recent creation of the UK Property Standards Board prompted the publication of “Standards for Estate Agents Dealing with Residential Property”, which forms the basis of the Blue Book.

RICS spokesperson David Dalby told propertywire.com about the intended use of the new publication:

“With the current pressures on the property market, estate agents’ practices are under the microscope more than at any time in recent history. It is more important than ever that agents work to the highest standards, and that consumers understand not only what a good agent does, but also the scope of the services available.”

The book costs £75.00. Buyers receive a copy in paperback along with access to the online version, which is updated regularly.