Shapps said: "By ensuring they enjoy the trust of people buying and selling homes, estate agents will inject greater confidence and movement in the housing market.

In future anyone looking to buy a home or sell theirs should ask the simple question of their estate agents - "are you licensed by the NAEA?''

Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the NAEA, said: I am delighted to confirm that East Anglia Equestrian Properties is now fully licensed.

"We would like all sellers and buyers to ask their prospective agents, 'Are you qualified and do you have an NAEA licence?'. If they don't, they should ask themselves whether that's the agent from whom they will get the best service when marketing their property.

"No one would knowingly use an unlicensed taxi driver. Neither should they use an unlicensed estate agent.

"In a difficult economic time it is important for anyone placing a home on the market to use a professional, knowledgeable agent. NAEA members know their local area and know their local market. That is very important to consumers."

The new licence will also guarantee the agency is covered by required amounts of Professional Indemnity Insurance. They will also undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every year, commit to keeping up to date with industry developments and be bound by the NAEA's Rules of Conduct.