A new organisation representing independent buying agents has launched with the aim of raising professional standards and making it easier for consumers to find experienced property search specialists.
The Alliance of Independent Buying Agents (AIBA) has been established by buying agents Jason Corbett, Louise Crichton, Victoria Robinson and Lucy Winfield. The founders say the alliance has been created to promote independence, experience and accountability within a sector that remains largely unregulated.
Unlike traditional referral networks or directories, AIBA operates an invitation-only membership model. Prospective members must be nominated by two existing members before undergoing a peer review process.
Corbett told EYE the alliance launches with 21 live members, with a further 15 applications awaiting completion or approval, taking the total membership pipeline to 36.
He said: “Potential members must be proposed and seconded by existing members, and their applications are then peer-reviewed by the existing peer-review panel. At the moment, the panel consists of the founders, but this will change over time and the number may increase or decrease. To pass the peer-review process, a majority of the peer reviewers must agree to their membership.”
At launch, AIBA’s members cover Surrey, East and West Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, London, Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Bath and Berkshire.
Corbett added: “As it is an introduction-only membership via peers, we hope to grow the alliance organically, with existing members introducing new members over time.”
Applicants must also demonstrate a proven track record as a buying agent, belong to a recognised property redress scheme and meet legislative compliance and professional standards.
The founders argue that while anyone can currently describe themselves as a buying agent, there is no consistent benchmark for experience or quality. They believe a peer-reviewed membership model will give buyers greater confidence when selecting professional representation.
AIBA said it will operate independently and is funded through an annual membership fee that covers operating costs. It does not charge referral fees, receive commissions for introductions or offer commercial incentives that could influence recommendations.
Corbett said: “The idea behind AIBA was simple: to bring together respected, experienced buying agents who are prepared to hold both themselves and one another to the highest standards. Our objective is not to create the largest network, but the most trusted one, and to provide easier access for consumers to that pool of expertise.”
