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Read our 5 top tips on buying safely overseas
By using AIPP Members to buy property overseas, you get:
The Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) exists for one reason and one reason alone: to improve standards of professionalism in the international property market
When you see that a company is a Member of the AIPP, it means that they have been vetted and approved, and that they have voluntarily agreed to follow and be bound by the industry Code of Conduct.
Buying with an AIPP Member does not mean you can close your eyes and hand over your money – there can be no such assurances or guarantees given.
You have a responsibility to inform yourself and protect yourself when buying property overseas just as you would when you buy property in your own country.
However, you should take some comfort from the fact that our Members have voluntarily agreed to self-regulation and each has been vetted before being accepted. In 2006, 19% of applications were rejected or withdrawn upon further enquiry; in 2007, that figure was 21%. All companies have also agreed to be bound by our Disciplinary Procedures. We have taken action against our own Members and will continue to do so where suitable. All complaints will be treated fairly and transparently for both the complainant and the Member company.
For companies to qualify for membership, we ask for a trading history in the international property market (of at least 3 years). Alternatively, some Members qualify on the basis that the person or people running the company has at least 3 years in a senior position in the industry or 5 years in a related and relevant industry. All applicant companies must provide third party references and these are always verified. In addition, all applicants sign a declaration confirming that they follow all applicable laws in any relevant country, including the need to be licensed wherever applicable. It is not possible to check whether all the correct licences are held by each applicant company but it would be a breach of our Code of Conduct not to have the correct licences where necessary.
The AIPP is a non-profit organisation set up to improve standards of professionalism in the international property market. Our ultimate aim is to have all companies selling international property working to AIPP standards. Such a market would be a better, safer environment for you, the buyer of property overseas.
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