TheMoveChannel.com and AIPP

A non-profit organisation, the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) was set up for one reason and one reason alone: to improve standards of professionalism in the international property market.

There are few, if any, rules, laws or regulations in many parts of the world to protect you when buying property. The industry itself came together in 2005 to say 'enough is enough' - we need to set higher standards in this market to help and protect buyers. Set up in 2006, the AIPP is the result of that industry initiative to clean up the market.

Most of our Members are agents and developers, the people from whom or with whom you buy your property overseas. We also have Associate Members, companies involved in this market but not selling properties. These include lawyers, foreign exchange companies and media companies. The Move Channel is a Member of the AIPP.

What does AIPP membership mean for you, the buyer of property overseas? Well, where you see the badge of an AIPP Member on an agent's or developer's marketing material, it means:

• that the company has been vetted and approved by us (19% of membership applications were rejected or withdrawn upon further enquiry in 2006; 21% in 2007);
• that the company agrees to attend industry standard training;
• that the company voluntarily agrees to follow our Code of Conduct.

Amongst other things, the AIPP Code dictates that an AIPP Member:

• must NOT make misleading statements or exaggerated claims;
• must NOT put undue pressure on people to buy property;
• must recommend that buyers take advice from an independent lawyer when buying property overseas.

If you believe that one of our Members has not followed the AIPP Code, you are free to complain to the AIPP. As of June 2008, we have investigated more than 100 complaints. The process we undertake on complaints is transparent (you are free to attend and make representations to your hearing) and free of charge.

Buying property overseas has great appeal and some risks. Those risks can be minimised by taking steps to protect yourselves and by using professional property people along with an independent lawyer. Done properly, buying property overseas does not need to be any more risky than buying at home.

As the independent industry body, the AIPP is happy to help you with information and advice on buying overseas. As companies voluntarily agreeing to industry regulation, our Members are happy to take you through the process.

For more information on the work of the AIPP, tips on buying overseas and a full list of our Members, visit www.aipp.org.uk.

The Move Channel has kindly agreed to host an AIPP blog on their new website so please send us your questions and we'll answer them in turn.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Paul Owen, Chief Executive, AIPP