THE ROLE OF THE AIPP
A trade association representing its members but here to help you, the buyer
B
uying property abroad could be one of the most emotive and challenging decisions you ever make, which is why you want to be sure your purchase is pain free
and those you are dealing with are professional, committed and trustworthy. Since 2006 the Association of International
Property Professionals (AIPP) has been working to improve business standards in the overseas property market and to provide reassurance that the companies you are dealing with share these aims. We are a not-for-profi t organisation working with the aim of improving the market for industry and consumers alike. In October 2012, the AIPP became part of a
wider family of professional bodies when it joined umbrella organisation the National Association of Property Professionals (NFOPP) where it now sits alongside organisations such as the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA). This increased support and infrastructure has enabled the AIPP to raise its profi le and widen its infl uence over the overseas property market.
Our members are here to help The 312 members of AIPP include not only agents and property developers, but also lawyers, currency exchange brokers, and other service providers who have all signed up to a code of conduct and disciplinary process to encourage industry best practice. As a trade association fl ying the fl ag for industry standards, our role is to help stamp out bad practice so naturally we encourage you to look for the AIPP badge when buying overseas and deal with our members. We’ve made numerous improvements to the
industry during our fi rst six years including the implementation of best practice guidance and training, as well as demonstrating our ability to take signifi cant disciplinary action against companies found to be in breach of our rules. As the industry emerges from the global recession, we will play a leading role in guiding the standards of the future and ensure the overseas property
46 AIPP CONSUMER GUIDE
industry moves forward with greater responsibility. But there is still a lot more we can do. We are
working to recruit more professional companies to the AIPP in order to widen our reach and provide a safer marketplace for consumers and companies alike, and you can help play a role in this. Asking your agent or developer if they are a member of AIPP will help spread the message that you, the buyer, value professional standards.
Protect Yourself AIPP as a trade association can work with its members to provide and enforce professional behaviour, however there are actions you can (and must) take to protect yourself. It is important that even if the companies you are dealing with are AIPP members, you do not forget your responsibilities as a buyer. You would never attempt to purchase property at home without a lawyer, yet many people think that they can buy overseas property without legal help. For an uninitiated buyer already struggling with language barriers and unfamiliar legal systems, getting the appropriate help is vital. If you only follow one piece of advice, and this guide will provide you with many more, ALWAYS ensure that you appoint a qualifi ed independent lawyer from the outset to guide you through the purchase from contract to completion. We have already helped many buyers with their
overseas purchases and we hope that this guide will give advice that can benefi t you as well. In our experience buyers who do their homework and inform themselves appropriately are in a far better position than those who don’t; many of the pitfalls can be avoided by taking greater care throughout the buying process. Buyers should always bear in mind that any investment naturally comes with an element of risk, and take all possible steps to minimise the chances of things going wrong. By taking the advice on the following pages and
ensuring you take care to safeguard your interests, your purchase can be a trouble-free and enjoyable experience. Indeed the majority of overseas property buyers enjoy successful purchases and realise their international property dream. We hope you fi nd this guide a useful resource.
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