The Association of Property Finders and Buyers Agents (APFBA) members acknowledge that they adhere to our 'Code of Practice' that may surpass minimum legal standards.
Through our commitment to the following principles, our integrity, and our professionalism we serve our clients and community.
APFBA members will:
- Act in accordance with the relevant estate agency laws.
- Not represent any client where a conflict of interest exists or is likely to arise.
- Advise and counsel clients based on their own professional experience, knowledge and judgement and on the results of research and enquiries. Make it clear to the client whether descriptions of a property are the selling agent's or vendors' claims or are the buyers' agents own discoveries.
- Always act in the best interests of their clients, never do anything that might jeopardise the clients' bargaining position or other interests, and not disclose clients' confidential information.
- Always act in accordance with the clients' lawful instructions.
- Have a written agreement with each client, specifying the services to be provided, fees and payment schedule, the term of the agreement and the client's options and obligations for termination of the agreement.
- Declare to the client any financial or other interest in any property or service they are referring the client to.
- Disclose to selling agents, on first contact, that they are acting as buyers' agents and are not the purchaser. Give written authority to bid, signed by the client, to the selling agent or vendor, before the start of any auction (country laws may differ).
- Consider and research all potential sources when conducting a property search.
- Thoroughly research a targeted property and its surroundings whenever possible to discover all material information and relate all relevant information to the client.
- Not undertake specialised services for which they are not qualified or licensed and make it clear to the client that they are not a substitute for professional, legal or financial advice (unless qualified to provide that advice).
Office of Fair Trading
We are passionate in our belief that a property buyer's best interests can only be served when a buyer’s agent exclusively represents them and that agent adheres to an official code of practice. That is why we have sought OFT approval for our Code of Practice.
The aim of the 'Office of Fair Trading' Consumer Codes Approval Scheme is to promote and safeguard consumers' interests by helping consumers identify better businesses and to encourage businesses to raise their standards of customer service.
