‘Safer Property Search’ scheme to prioritise agents covered by TPO

A trade association of agents selling properties overseas has launched a new feature which it claims will give buyers greater security over their selection of homes.

The Alliance of International Property Owners - a body which was set up last year and says it represents some 1.5m Britons who own homes or timeshares overseas - has launched a 'Buy Safe, Own Well’ feature in partnership with another organisation, The Property Share Network.

This means the AIPO website now allows users to browse only those overseas property listings from estate agents who are members of the Association of International Property Professionals. 

AIPP member agents have all voluntarily committed to a code of conduct and their clients are covered by the UK Property Ombudsman scheme, with its usual compensation possible up to a maximum of £25,000

AIPO editor Claire Robinson says: “We are thrilled to finally offer the public a much easier way to browse property from agents who are members of the industry voluntary regulatory trade body. Buying from an AIPP member agent gives you greater peace of mind that, should things go wrong with your purchase there is some recourse without having to 'go legal’.”

Currently listing some 4,000 properties, the network says it is “adding new companies to its portal daily.” 

Users of the AIPO website can also search all AIPP members including legal, developers and financial services.