CIELA (The Charter for Independent Estate and Letting Agents) says it will be incorporating today.

CIELA says that it will combine “voices, data and resources” to form the most powerful organisation in the industry.

The organisation, founded by software businessman Charlie Wright, has however pushed back a full launch until October 1.

This is due to follow a six-month consultation and planning period, engaging the ‘whole independent agency industry . . . allowing every agent who wishes to do so to have their voice heard”.

An update says that the next steps include the appointment of voluntary regional officers.

Pre-launch membership, to decide on CIELA’s future, is to cost £35 per month for the next six months, running up to the planned launch date.

This subscription will give members voting rights, the chance to participate in member-only discussion forums, and the right to attend CIELA events and debates.

Marketing material will also be made available to members to be “used in pitches against corporate and call centre agents”, said an update issued yesterday evening.

The update also referred to manifesto plans, which include confronting and combating “misleading claims by up-front, fixed fee, online agents” and helping “unwitting home owners” to avoid selling or letting their homes for an undervalue, “or worse still, losing up-front money to a company that will not sell their home”.