Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.

Alliance of Independent Buying Agents Launches to Raise Standards

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.

AIBA has been created to promote independence, experience and accountability within a sector that remains largely unregulated. The alliance operates an invitation-only membership model, requiring prospective members to be nominated by two existing members and to undergo a peer review process. At launch, AIBA has 21 live members, with a further 15 applications awaiting completion or approval, bringing the total membership pipeline to 36.

The peer review panel currently consists of the founders, but this may change over time. To pass the peer-review process, a majority of the panel must agree to the applicant's membership. Members at launch cover areas including Surrey, East and West Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, London, Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Bath and Berkshire.

Applicants must 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 state that there is currently no consistent benchmark for experience or quality in the sector, and believe that a peer-reviewed membership model will give buyers greater confidence when selecting professional representation.

AIBA operates independently and is funded through an annual membership fee that covers operating costs. The organisation does not charge referral fees, receive commissions for introductions, or offer commercial incentives that could influence recommendations.