Aspiring real estate agents face more training and would need to gain at least six months' practical experience before getting a licence under reforms being considered by the NSW government.
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According to the Department of Fair Trading, there were 6455 complaints about real estate and property matters in 2014-15, accounting for close to 14 per cent of all complaints during the period.
Better Regulation Minister Victor Dominello says NSW has "among the lowest entry standards in the country".
"People have commented to me that it seems like all you need to do is eat a bowl of cornflakes and you are a qualified agent by the end of the day," he said.
The reference is to the time it takes to complete a certificate of registration to become an agent – as little as five hours online, according to the NSW government.
Mr Dominello has received recommendations in a report by an expert panel established to examine the issue.
One of its key recommendations is to increase the amount of training required for a certificate of registration as a real estate agent from four to seven units.
It says "the interests of the public will be better served by provide more comprehensive training to certificate holders".
The minimum qualifications for licensees – people running agencies – should also be increased, the panel said.
Licensees should be required to hold a diploma or a Certificate IV plus a business qualification, it is recommended.
The report says a key weakness in the training of real estate agents is a lack of on-the-job experience to apply the skills being learnt.
The panel recommends that at least six months' full-time equivalent practical experience should be required before a licence can be awarded.
Real Estate Institute of NSW chief executive Tim McKibbin said it was "appalling" that more training is required to be a barista than a real estate agent.
"We've been calling for this for years and finally this minister has taken action," he said. "We congratulate him because it will make better practitioners and a better consumer outcome."
Mr Dominello said becoming an agent in NSW is "far too easy, which is why we are committed to delivering reforms that strengthen entry level standards and improve consumer confidence".
The government is considering the report and will announce proposed reforms by the end of the year.
