How better governance benefits estate agencies in all the right ways: Lessons from King V

The King V Report on Corporate Governance, released in October 2025, sets the tone for ethical and effective leadership across South African organisations. By following it, estate and rental agents will be well-placed to win client trust, attract investment, and build stronger relationships with landlords and tenants.  

While implementing King V is not mandatory, the King Committee’s reports are widely regarded as the gold standard for governance. As a result, leading businesses often adopt King report recommendations voluntarily, to build trust and credibility.

So how does King V enhance governance in estate agencies, and what are the benefits for their shareholders and broader stakeholder communities?

The report promotes four key principles.

Trust and compliance: King V emphasises ethical leadership and transparency. For agencies handling client funds and sensitive data, strong governance reduces reputational risk and supports compliance with PPRA and FIC requirements.

Stakeholder inclusivity: The code calls on businesses to consider all stakeholders, not just shareholders. For agencies, that means balancing the interests of landlords, tenants, staff, and regulators in decision-making.

Integrated thinking: King V encourages businesses to link financial performance with social and environmental impact. Larger agencies and franchise groups may find this useful for ESG reporting and attracting institutional investors.

Competitive advantage: Good governance isn’t just about avoiding penalties, it can be a powerful differentiator for your brand. Agencies that demonstrate accountability and ethical practices are more likely to win trust in a market where compliance is under scrutiny.

When does it apply?

King V applies to financial years starting on or after 1 January 2026, but there is nothing stopping businesses from adopting it early and getting a head start on better client, tenant and investor relationships.  

Ultimately, King V’s principles offer a practical roadmap for building resilience and credibility in a changing property market, which any agency can benefit from. Adopting them is a strong signal to landlords, tenants and investors that your agency can be relied on to uphold high standards of integrity, transparency, compliance, and sustainable success.