Continuing professional development requirement abolished: What estate agents and property managers need to know about the new law
The legislator is abolishing the previous compulsory continuing professional development requirement for Real estate agent and Residential property manager (previously 20 hours over three years under the MaBV). What does this mean in practice? This article summarises the implications, opportunities and risks, and shows how responsible companies can turn their newfound freedom into competitive advantages. Note: The following comments are based on the published explanatory memorandum to the legislation and industry communications (as at 2025) and are not intended to replace legal advice; you should clarify any specific questions with your legal adviser.
What exactly has been abolished – and what remains in place?
With the abolition of the compulsory continuing professional development requirement, the legal obligation to provide evidence of documented continuing professional development hours within a three-year period no longer applies. From the perspective of many organisations, this is a significant Reducing red tape. However, key professional duties remain unchanged:
- Licensing requirement under Section 34c of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO) including reliability and sound financial circumstances.
- Basic obligations under the MaBV such as, for example, proper record-keeping, and information and documentation requirements.
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance (AML) including identification requirements, risk analysis and reporting of suspicious transactions.
- Data protection in accordance with the GDPR, as well as obligations under employment law and tenancy/property ownership law in day-to-day business.
In practical terms, this means that there is no longer a state-mandated minimum number of teaching hours, but there are still numerous specialist topics where up-to-date knowledge which are crucial in terms of liability and financial success (e.g. tenancy law, the German Condominium Act (WEG), energy efficiency, ESG, brokerage/commission models, withdrawal rights and distance selling).
Act strategically rather than just ticking off compulsory lessons: We’ll work with you to develop a streamlined, risk-based knowledge strategy – tailored specifically to your estate agency or property management firm. Enquire now with no obligation: Contact form
Fewer obligations, greater visibility: opportunities for professional providers
Without fixed working hour allocations, there is scope for learning tailored to individual needs. Market leaders will use this time to focus their teams on the issues that are truly relevant to the business – rather than taking generic courses. Three benefits at a glance:
- Respond more quickly: Concise updates on legislative changes or court rulings, rather than annual plans filled with unnecessary content.
- Increasing customer value: The scope of advice, e.g. on rent controls, graduated rents, WEG resolutions and refurbishment schedules.
- Employer branding: A visible culture of learning as a magnet for high achievers and the next generation.
Risks: Where freedom becomes a trap
Abolishing the compulsory continuing professional development requirement reduces red tape, not the The reality of liability. Errors in the property description, incorrect cancellation policies, inaccurate utility bills or omissions in Anti-Money Laundering checks can prove costly. To ensure that freedom does not lead to negligence, we recommend a Risk-based learning and verification approach (slim, but resilient).
Calculation example & quick check:
Team size: 6 people. Aim: 6 hours of focused learning per year instead of 20/3 years.
Cost estimate: €150 per hour of external input = approx. €5,400 per annum. Conclusion: Targeted specialist sprints are more cost-effective than vague compulsory sessions – and reduce the risk of damage.
Common mistakes → Solutions
- Error: No further documentation is required, as this obligation no longer applies. Solution: Continue to maintain the internal skills register (topic, date, source, participants).
- Error: Treat all topics equally. Solution: Risk classification: A (legal/liability-related), B (procedural), C (nice-to-have).
- Error: External seminars only. Solution: 70/20/10 mix: real-world case studies, peer feedback, and occasional expert sessions.
This is how professionals are now putting it into practice in a pragmatic way
- 1) Update the risk analysis: Where do the most significant losses or complaints arise? Examples: withdrawal/information in prospectuses, the Money Laundering Act, tenancy law clauses, resolutions under the German Condominium Act (WEG).
- 2) 12-month learning plan: Four quarterly sprints of 90 minutes each are often sufficient: legal updates, process quality, sales/negotiation, digital/ESG.
- 3) Case-first rather than film-based: Anonymise your own case files, compare judgements, and refine checklists.
- 4) Introduce micro-learning: A 10–15-minute update in the team meeting – one standard, one assessment, one check question.
- 5) Minimalist documentation: One sheet per meeting (topic, risk, decision, responsible persons, to-dos, review date).
- 6) Measuring quality indicators: Complaints rate, turnaround times, accuracy of property listings, GwG hit rate.
Communication: Building trust through transparency
Even without a mandatory certificate, it will win over owners and buyers if you demonstrate a commitment to learning and high-quality work proactive make visible. Examples:
- Brief summary: „Legal and quality update for Q2/2025 reviewed – dual-check procedure for revocation/IDV.“
- The „Quality & Knowledge“ page on the website, featuring two paragraphs on the internal learning approach and the annual focus.
- Tender phase: One „risk matrix“ page per client (e.g. risks relating to the Owners’ Association, tenancy agreement, energy performance data) – demonstrating substance rather than slogans.
What does this mean for property managers?
For Residential property manager The requirements in day-to-day WEG operations remain complex: ensuring resolutions are passed, maintenance planning, the allocation of CO₂ costs, obtaining quotes and transparency in the awarding of contracts. The removal of this obligation should therefore be seen as an opportunity to create a object-based learning system to establish: a focus on legal training relating to the WEG, basic technical knowledge (energy, maintenance) and communication at owners’ meetings.
Your next step: We assess your current situation, prioritise risks and draw up a 12-month plan featuring two concise team workshops – efficient, measurable and compliant with liability requirements. Arrange an initial consultation now
Conclusion: The obligation to provide training may be lifting – but the responsibility remains. Those who now consistently focus on risk-based learning, streamlined documentation and clear communication will build trust, reduce liability and speed up the completion of transactions. Get in touch: we turn regulation into competitive advantages.
Contact us – We look forward to hearing from you and would be happy to advise you on a practical, robust knowledge and quality framework.
