As one of the Valuation and Listing Managers at StartGroup and a dedicated representative of GIPE at CEPI, I recently had the pleasure of attending CEPI’s General Meeting in Munich, Germany, held on June 6-7. This gathering was not just another meeting; it was a convergence of minds dedicated to shaping the future of the real estate industry in Europe.
Embracing New Members
One of the first highlights of the meeting was the introduction of a new member into the CEPIfamily, as well as interest by other associations throughout Europe in joining CEPI. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise promise to infuse fresh perspectives into our ongoing projects.
Sustainability Initiatives
We also delved into the pressing issues of energy and climate, particularly the new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This directive aims to make our buildings more energy-efficient, aligning with Europe’s sustainability goals. A lengthy discussion was heldabout the difficulties implementing these directives, particularly amongst the Mediterranean member associations where cost is a major issue when it comes to improving the EnergyEfficiency of the majority of the Real Estate stock currently existing in those countries.
Combatting Financial Crimes with Cutting-edge Tools Anti-money laundering (AML) was another critical topic on the agenda. In an industry where financial transactions are frequent and substantial, the need for robust AML measures cannot be overstated. We discussed the development of a new AML tool designed to enhance our defences against financial crimes. Given my technical background and my role as Vice President of the MMCEPI committee, I am proud to announce that GIPE will be part of the pilot-testing program for this innovative tool. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that our industry remains transparent and secure and at the same time this tool will help harmonise how Real Estate professionals in different countries throughout Europe deal with this delicate issue.
Educational Programs
Education was another focal point, with discussions around programs like Eureduc, which aim to elevate the professional standards of real estate practitioners. The programme has a wide outreach at universities throughout Europe and with the help of this programme, we aim to recruit more professionals into Real Estate every year and also raise the level of education of professionals currently working in member associations. Conferences and seminars, as well as whitepapers on legal matters can all be attended or accessed online through the CEPI website.
Digital Partnerships
We also explored the impact of digitalisation and formed exciting new partnerships with RESO, Stellar MLS, and IGLUU. These collaborations are set to revolutionise how we operate, making our processes more efficient and our services more accessible. MLS – Multiple Listings Services, have been a practice in North America and some European countries for years and a lengthy discussion was held on how to make the practice more widespread in Europe while at the same time ensuring a safe transaction for both professionals and customers. More news on this will follow after the European MLS summit in Milan in October this year.
Launching the European Quality Label for Real Estate Professionals
Perhaps the most exciting development discussed was the upcoming launch of the MMCEPI – the European Quality Label for Real Estate Professionals. Set to be officially introduced on January 1, 2025, this label is a testament to our commitment to excellence and professionalism. I have been deeply involved in this project, and I’m thrilled to share that GIPE will be among the first to pilot-test the registry and distribution of this prestigious label.
I am proud to announce that StartGroup today was the first Spanish Real Estate company to put the provisional 2024 MMCEPI seal on the door to our head office in Calahonda!
Looking Ahead
My involvement in these groundbreaking initiatives, representing StartGroup, GIPE, and CEPI, underscores our collective dedication to advancing the real estate profession. The meeting in Munich was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision. As we move forward, I am excited to see the positive impact these developments will have on our industry, enhancing both its integrity and its sustainability.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and lead the way in European real
estate.
