NAEA and FOPDAC announce merger

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and the Federation of Overseas Property Developers, Agents and Consultants (FOPDAC) have signed a formal agreement this week to merge FOPDAC with the international section of the NAEA.

The new name is to be ‘NAEA International incorporating FOPDAC’.

Both the NAEA and FOPDAC are long established in the field of international estate agency, and are dedicated to improving the standards of those working in this specialised field.

The two organisations are both members of the European Confederation of Estate Agents (CEI) and worked together in 2005 to bring about the introduction of a new International Code of Practice, which has since been accepted by the 40,000 estate agent members of the CEI.

Ian Tonge, Chairman of the NAEA International working group, says: “This is a significant step for both organisations and I am delighted that we are now joining forces in this way. Members and consumers will be able to benefit from the combined knowledge and experience of both the NAEA and FOPDAC. Through this partnership we hope to make a further, positive difference in the international property arena.”

Des Rowson, Committee member for FOPDAC, comments: “After working for so many years to achieve the goal of both organisations making a positive move towards giving the clients ‘peace of mind’ when purchasing through a registered agent, Geoff Pilgrem the original Founder of FOPDAC in 1973 would be proud of the progress that has been made in the International market place.”

Keith Baker, Legal Advisor for FOPDAC, said: “I have worked with FOPDAC for 30 years but I am keenly looking forward to implementing the ambitious goals being set by the new combined team. This has been a very easy merger to negotiate as it rapidly became apparent how close our philosophies were.”

Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive at the NAEA, comments: “This is an important occasion in the history of both organisations as the NAEA and FOPDAC are brought together. We have no doubt that this will prove a highly beneficial union for both consumers and the industry over the years to come.”