PropertyGuru Malaysia, the nation’s leading property marketplace, has introduced the PropertyGuru Verified Badge, a new feature designed to enhance trust and security in the real estate industry. This initiative provides property seekers with an added layer of assurance by allowing them to easily identify agents whose identity and professional credentials have been verified through a stringent process on the platform.
The introduction of the Verified Badge comes at a critical time, as fraud in the property sector remains a pressing concern. According to the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (LPPEH), more than 1,500 victims were defrauded by unlicensed individuals between 2019 and 2023, with losses amounting to nearly RM60 million. Many Malaysians also continue to face uncertainty when it comes to verifying the legitimacy of real estate professionals. The Verified Badge directly addresses this gap, offering a clear and reliable way for consumers to engage with licensed professionals.
The badge is exclusively awarded to registered Real Estate Negotiators (REN), Real Estate Agents (REA), and Probationary Estate Agents (PEA) with valid LPPEH licenses who have successfully completed PropertyGuru’s secure verification process. This involves identity confirmation through eKYC, validation of professional license details, verification of registered contact information, and agreement to the Verified Badge terms. Once approved, the badge prominently appears on the agent’s profile, property listings, and search results, ensuring that property seekers can easily distinguish credible professionals from potential imposters.
Kenneth Soh, Country Manager Malaysia, PropertyGuru & iProperty, emphasized the importance of trust in real estate transactions. “Buying or renting a home is one of the biggest financial commitments a person will make, and that decision must start with trust. While property transactions take place off our platform, we are raising the bar for safety by introducing the PropertyGuru Verified Badge. It gives property seekers a clear, additional way to identify licensed agents and negotiators, and it rewards professionals who uphold standards of transparency. This goes beyond connecting people with property. It is one of the ways we are protecting consumers from scams and strengthening trust in the entire industry,” he said.
For property seekers, the Verified Badge serves as a quick and reliable visual cue that the professional they are dealing with has undergone enhanced verification. For agents, the badge not only strengthens their credibility but also provides visibility advantages, as Verified professionals are highlighted in search results and can benefit from Verified-only filters. This helps them stand out in a competitive market and reinforces their commitment to transparency and professionalism.
The launch was attended by key stakeholders including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA), and the Institute of Malaysian Property Agents & Consultants (IMPAC), underscoring the importance of industry-wide cooperation. Their support reflects a shared commitment to combating scams, raising public awareness, and safeguarding the integrity of Malaysia’s property market.
YDH SAC Mohd Razali bin Mohd Idrus, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department KL (PDRM), highlighted the growing sophistication of property-related scams. “Property-related scams have become increasingly sophisticated, often involving impersonation of licensed agents to deceive unsuspecting buyers and tenants. Public awareness and preventive measures are critical. PDRM welcomes collaborative initiatives such as PropertyGuru’s Verified Badge, which can help Malaysians make safer property decisions and reduce opportunities for market exploitation,” he said.
Kelvin Yip, President of the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA), echoed this sentiment, noting that the badge provides genuine agents with a meaningful way to stand out. “As professional real estate agents, our reputation hinges on trust. The Verified Badge gives genuine agents a visible way to stand out, gain the confidence of clients, and uphold the credibility of the industry. We fully support initiatives that raise the bar for professionalism and protect the public from fraudulent activity.”
The Verified Badge marks a significant milestone in restoring confidence in Malaysia’s property ecosystem. By setting a new standard of safety and transparency, PropertyGuru is ensuring that every property journey begins with verified professionals, stronger consumer protection, and a renewed foundation of trust. For more information about the PropertyGuru Verified Badge, visit www.propertyguru.com.my.