The ODPM is holding a trade show to kickstart the recruitment of 7500 home inspectors over the next 28 months.

The inspectors will need to be in place by January 2007 when Home Condition Reports detailing the state of individual houses are to become mandatory. The Housing Bill, which paves the way for HCRs, is expected to become law later this year when it receives Royal Assent.

Christopher Legrand of Property Industry Research, which is organising the event for the ODPM, said demand for inspectors was high.

Time is running out for the government to recruit the inspectors, as the training of an entrant with no previous experience will take three years. For those with a construction, property or surveying background, training is expected to take between six and 24 months.

The trade show and conference will take place on 25 November at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry.