VIVA attends the Association of International Property Professionals AGM in London

AIPP chairman, Peter Robinson, speaking at the Association’s recent AGM in London

Annual general meetings are usually not that interesting, unless you are a major shareholder and are being asked to vote on the board’s remuneration. So, as we at VIVA are neither a major shareholder or voting on anyone’s remuneration, it was with some trepidation that I recently attended the Association of International Property Professionals AGM on behalf of VIVA, which was held at  the Charing Cross Hotel in London…

As a company that has sold over 13,500 properties on the Costa del Sol, mainly to western and northern Europeans, we recognise the importance of being part of an independent regulatory body. We joined the AIPP because we are impressed with the way in which the association has recently reemerged as a force in international property, and has struck a chord with the public who see the association as standard bearers for ethics and regulation in purchasing property overseas, and who can now count on the services of The Property Ombudsman should things go wrong.

The TPO is a fully independent, specialist and officially recognised body offering a free, fair and independent service for buyers, vendors, tenants and landlords of property in the UK and abroad and is available internationally only to AIPP members and their clients.

In the rare instances of complaints being made to us (and which we cannot amicably resolve), our clients can make representation to TPO (at no cost) to independently settle the issue in a binding manner – the terms of which, as AIPP members, we are obliged to honour.

VIVA’s Partnership Development Manager, John Hollway (R), with (from L): Lisa Migani, FNTC; Louise Reynolds, Property Venture; and Andy Bridge, AIPP deputy chairman

The AIPP is a not-for-profit organisation, created to improve the standards of professionalism in the international property market which has been a largely unregulated industry. All AIPP members voluntarily agree to follow a professional Code of Conduct, and for companies to qualify for membership, they have to demonstrate a trading history in the international property market of at least 3 years. They are also required to provide third party references, as well as signing a declaration confirming that they follow all applicable laws in any relevant country, including the need to be licensed wherever applicable.

Valerie Bannister, incoming president of ARLA; Ian Potter, former Arla MD; and Simon Gerrard, president of NAEA at the AIPP Gala Dinner

As it happens, the AGM proved me wrong. It was interesting, relevant and concise. It was opened by the AIPP deputy chairman, Andy Bridge, who gave his annual report, highlighting the difficult trading conditions that the Association has weathered over the last 4 years, showing a decline in membership and revenues, but adding that the 2nd half of the year has improved substantially and thanks to the efforts of chairman, Peter Robinson, membership is once again growing.

Peter Robinson was up next and he gave a very positive outlook for the Association’s future, reiterating the retention of members which is standing at 85% and outlining some exciting new memberships that have just signed up with the AIPP. Peter also talked about the changes to the Code of Conduct and how it would affect members in a positive way.

The new board was elected with 4 new members and after their nominations the meeting was called to a close.

The AIPP is going from strength to strength and we at VIVA are firm supporters of their objectives and their code of business.