Independent Oversight in the UK Property Sector

Birchmore Ltd is a registered member of The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme.  Our membership can be independently verified via the official TPO business search directory:

https://www.tpos.co.uk/business-search/birchmore-ltd/

The Property Ombudsman provides independent redress and oversight for consumers using property professionals across the United Kingdom. Membership demonstrates a commitment to recognised professional standards and consumer protection within the UK property market.

What Is The Property Ombudsman?

The Property Ombudsman is a government approved redress scheme covering property businesses involved in:

• Property sales
• Lettings
• Property management
• Property consultancy and introductions

Member firms must operate in accordance with a formal Code of Practice designed to promote transparency, fairness and professional conduct.  If a complaint cannot be resolved directly with a member firm, consumers may escalate the matter to The Property Ombudsman for independent review.

Membership Requirements

To maintain membership of The Property Ombudsman scheme, firms must meet ongoing professional requirements, including:

Compliance with the TPO Code of Practice

Members must adhere to published standards governing marketing accuracy, transparency, complaint handling procedures and client communication.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Members are required to hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance, providing financial protection in the event of professional negligence claims.

Formal Complaints Procedure

Members must operate a documented internal complaints process. Where a matter cannot be resolved internally, clients have access to independent redress through The Property Ombudsman.

Cooperation with Independent Determinations

If a complaint is referred to TPO, the member firm must cooperate fully with the investigation and comply with the Ombudsman’s final determination where applicable.

Why This Matters for Clients

Membership of The Property Ombudsman scheme provides:

✔ Access to an independent dispute resolution body
✔ Oversight under a recognised Code of Practice
✔ Confirmation of appropriate professional indemnity insurance
✔ Additional consumer protection beyond baseline legal obligations

This framework operates alongside UK consumer protection legislation and the requirement for independent legal representation in property transactions.

Property Regulation in Context

Direct property transactions in the UK are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as property sales are not classified as financial products.

Instead, the property sector operates under:

• Contract and land law
• Consumer protection legislation
• Anti-money laundering regulations
• Planning and building regulation frameworks
• Independent redress schemes such as The Property Ombudsman

Birchmore Ltd operates within this established framework and supports independent SRA-regulated solicitors acting for every purchaser.

Our Commitment

We believe professional standards, transparency and accountability are fundamental to long-term client relationships.  Our membership of The Property Ombudsman scheme publicly verifiable via the official TPO directory, reflects our commitment to operating within recognised UK property sector standards and providing clients with access to independent redress if required.  If you would like further information regarding our membership or the TPO Code of Practice, please contact our team.