Speech made to 650 international property guests at the OPP Live Gala Dinner, December 7th, at the Natural History Museum, London.

In September of 2005, I was talking to somebody in the industry over a drink. It was following a quiet Friday at an exhibition; there was a dull, dreary feeling around the exhibitors. After a fantastic 5 or 6 years in this market, there were some predicting the end of the good times. Doom and gloom enveloped so many that I was beginning to doubt the future myself. It has been a tough year for many; was this really the end?

On my walk back to the hotel, I came over all Churchillian. Whether that was due to the cold bracing air or the quality of the post-show wine or a combination of the two, I really don’t know.

The end, I thought? This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. This is the just the end of the beginning. There is still so much to be done in this market. There are so many exciting new ideas, new countries, new regions within existing countries, new types of property, new property investment vehicles, new routes to market. And most importantly of all: new clients.

In a recent survey commissioned by Barclays, 2.2 million Brits are definitely expecting to buy property overseas. That’s not ‘wouldn’t it be lovely if’ or ‘let’s keep going to all the shows because they’re a good day out’; that’s 2.2 million Brits who are definitely expecting to buy property overseas.

They see barriers. The survey tells us that they are worried about legal matters and tax implications. They are worried about the security of the property. And they are worried about coping with a new culture and, often, a new language. They are also concerned about being taken for a ride and paying too much for a property.

2.2 million people want help. They want a name they can trust. With trust, they will spend their money. At the moment, they do not know where to turn.

The Association of International Property Professionals has been set up to provide that confidence. By promoting the highest standards of professionalism in the overseas property industry, the AIPP will be the name for which the public look. It will be the industry body, the industry voice, the industry standard.

I would like you to join the association. I’d like you to become a Member. What I will do is to make sure that the customer knows who we are and what we stand for.

Being a Member of the AIPP will tell the public that you can be trusted, that you are professional, and that you follow the Code of Conduct established to help them, the consumer, in choosing where to spend their money. Many of you will already tell your clients that you’re professional. If you are, the AIPP will confirm it with authority, with independence.

Being a Member will drive customers to you. Being a Member will place you at the heart of shaping this industry over the next decade.

There’s so much more to tell you (possible legislation for this market – trade information – industry partnerships – complementary services) but now is not the time for the details.

The AIPP is about standards in the industry and bringing those to the attention of the public. The buying public will look for the AIPP stamp of approval.

I return to where I started. This is just the end of the beginning in this market. There are such exciting times ahead, a fascinating future.

We will shape that future. I look forward to working with you all. Thank you for your time.