About Us
Leading the Way in Professional Auctioneering
About Us
The Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV) was established in 1971 as a representative professional body for qualified, Licensed Auctioneers, Valuers and Estate Agents.
It is the only Irish representative body catering solely for the professional and educational requirements of Auctioneers and Valuers.
As ‘The Voice of Auctioneers and Valuers in Ireland’, IPAV represents members nationwide and one of its primary objectives is to uphold, advance and promote professional standards and competence among its members.
IPAV operates a comprehensive system of professional education and development for existing members and for those wishing to enter the profession.
IPAV introduced the ‘Blue Book’ European valuation standards to Ireland - the standard now recognised by the Irish and European Central Banks for which they hold default status if any valuation conflict arises.
IPAV works with other stakeholders and with policymakers to try and influence the development of a sustainable property market where people can buy, sell, or rent properties according to their needs.
Key Objectives
To provide an organisation for Auctioneers, Valuers and Estate Agents to protect, advance and promote the professional standards of Auctioneers, Valuers, Estate Agents, Property Managing Agents, Letting Agents and Property Professionals and the promotion in the public interest of the professional competence and to protect the interest of members as between themselves and as between Members, non-Members and the General Public.
To promote personal and friendly relations amongst the members of the Company, to hold meetings for the delivery of lectures, discussions, conferences and to encourage the best professional methods of conducting the business of its Members.
To act as a means of communication between Members or others seeking engagements as, Auctioneers, Valuers Estate Agents, Property Managing Agents, Letting Agents and Property Professionals and employers desirous of employing them.
To form a library for the use of Members.
To promote personal and friendly relations amongst the members of the Company, to hold meetings for the delivery of lectures, discussions, conferences and to encourage the best professional methods of conducting the business of its Members.
To act as a means of communication between Members or others seeking engagements as, Auctioneers, Valuers Estate Agents, Property Managing Agents, Letting Agents and Property Professionals and employers desirous of employing them.
To form a library for the use of Members.
To apply, petition for or promote in the Republic of Ireland and in the European Union any Act of the Oireachtas, EU Directive or other legal measure or order or elsewhere any Act of Parliament, Royal Charter or other authority, legal measure, or order with a view to the attainment of the above objects or any of them
To borrow any moneys required for the purpose of the Company upon such terms and on such securities as may be determined
To apply, petition for or promote in the Republic of Ireland and in the European Union any Act of the Oireachtas, EU Directive or other legal measure or order or elsewhere any Act of Parliament, Royal Charter or other authority, legal measure, or order with a view to the attainment of the above objects or any of them
To watch over, promote and protect the mutual interests of the Members, to promote honourable practice, to suppress malpractice and to decide all questions of professional use or courtesy between or amongst Members.
To provide a system of professional education to achieve the aforesaid objects.
To invest any moneys not immediately required upon such securities or otherwise in such manner as may from time to time be determined.
To watch over, promote and protect the mutual interests of the Members, to promote honourable practice, to suppress malpractice and to decide all questions of professional use or courtesy between or amongst Members.
To provide a system of professional education to achieve the aforesaid objects.
To purchase, take on lease or in exchange, hire or by any other means acquire, and to sell, dispose of, turn to account, grant rights and privileges in respect of, develop, manage, improve, mortgage, charge, or otherwise deal with, any freehold, leasehold or other property or rights, for any estate or interest, and/or any lands, buildings, vehicles, machinery, equipment, plant, goods and any other real or personal property or rights.
To do all such lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above or any of them.
Structure
IPAV’s Council is deemed for all purposes to be the governing body of the Institute. Council members are elected at the Institute’s Annual General Meeting.
Council represents Members throughout Ireland and is supported by an Executive Council, consisting of IPAV's President, Senior Vice President, Junior Vice President and CEO of the Institute.
Key Milestones / Achievements
CEO
Currently CEO of IPAV, Pat has worked in the auctioneering industry for over 40 years. In the absence of any national valuations standards in Ireland he spearheaded the introduction of the ‘Blue Book’ European valuation standards in 2013. These standards are recognised by the Irish Central Bank and the European Central Bank for which they hold default status.
Pat was appointed to the 2023 Board of Directors of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), is a current and also a member of the Recognition Committee at The European Group of Valuers Associations’.
A career spanning over 35 years in the property industry, as founder of Davitt & Davitt Auctioneers in 1981, CEO of IPAV from 2013, to his most recent recognition in February 2024, as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Business Post National Property Awards.
In the absence of any national valuations standards in Ireland he spearheaded the introduction of the ‘Blue Book’ European valuation standards in 2013. These standards are recognised by the Irish Central Bank and the European Central Bank for which they hold default status.
Pat was appointed to the 2023 Board of Directors of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), is a current Board member of CEPI the European Association for Real Estate Agents and a member The European Group of Valuers Associations’ European Valuation Qualifications Board.
[quote from pat]
Pat Davitt FIPAV REV MMCEPI
IPAV Team
Orpen Franks Solicitors
Azets Ireland
Council Members
Lisa Kearney
President MIPAV TRV MMCEPI Rooney Auctioneers Lisa Kearney is a Director and co-owner of Rooney Auctioneers and holds the position of Head of Residential & New Home Sales at the same firm. With over 28 years of invaluable experience in real estate, Lisa has established herself as a trusted professional with a keen eye for market trends and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to her clients. Lisa’s academic journey has equipped her with a diverse skill set to excel in her field. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, demonstrating her understanding of human behaviour and interpersonal dynamics, which enriches her approach to client interactions and negotiations. Additionally, Lisa has pursued further education with a diploma in Property Law and a Certificate in Marketing, further enhancing her expertise and proficiency in the real estate market.
Lisa holds the position of President of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers and also serves as an IPAV board member and IPAV EDI Policy Officer. Her involvement in this esteemed organisation underscores her commitment to upholding & adhering to best practices & professional standards and advancing the real estate profession in Ireland. Lisa's dedication to excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction is evident throughout her career
Fintan McGill
Senior Vice-President MIPAV REV MMCEPI CIPS DNG McGill
Kay McGuire
Junior Vice President MIPAV MMCEPI Galway Property Services
Paul McCourtney
- mccourtney@mccourtney.ie
- 01 2530910
Eamon O’Flaherty
- eamon@sfbradyoflaherty.ie
- 01 6510000
Committees
The Council appoint expert Committees to advise, monitor and recommend to Council policies and procedures considered material to the Institute, Members and the profession.
- Agri Committee
- Constituency Committee
- Corporate Governance Committee
- CEO / Remuneration Committee
- Disciplinary Committee
- Education Committee
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee
- Executive Committee
- Lettings & Management Committee
- Membership Applications Committee
- Tech Investment Committee
- Young Professionals Network (YPN)
- Valuation Committee
Advocacy
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
IPAV recognises that Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are fundamental building blocks in achieving IPAV’s mission of an equal, diverse & inclusive Institute and has an EDI support network in place, committed to promoting and supporting equality, diversity and inclusion for all IPAV members in every area.
IPAV is committed to the evaluation of its organisational policies, procedures and culture and believe that an equal, diverse and inclusive organisation, one in which everyone feels valued, supported & welcomed creates a more innovative, rewarding, and productive Institute for all.
Charity Partner
As part of IPAV’s EDI programme, IPAV joined the ‘Elephant in the Room’ movement, endorsing our commitment to mental health support and awareness. IPAV’s commissioned Elephant ‘Ellie IPAV Phant’, signals our commitment to the movement and ongoing campaign of raising awareness and donations to the movement’s charity partner, Samaritans Ireland.
Young Professionals Network (YPN)
Set up 2016 to support the younger generation of Estate Agents and Valuers build a stronger link with IPAV and the real estate industry in general.
Through national networking events including, the annual Rostrum Auctioneer Competition, Golf Classic and Summer BBQ, YPN events are a fun way for members to meet other real estate professionals from around the country, to build their network of peers.
Contact ypn@ipa.ie
Affiliations
TEGOVA
IPAV is a member of TEGOVA; The European Group of Valuers’ Associations represents 70000 qualified valuers either self-employed or employed by specialist consultancies, private sector companies, government departments or financial institutions both local and international.
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CEPI
IPAV is a member of CEPI, the European Association of Real Estate Professions, established in Brussels in 1990 as an international non-profit organisation representing estate agents and property managers of 24 countries worldwide.
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NAR
IPAV formed a bilateral agreement with National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in 2014; America's largest trade association, representing 1.5 million+ members, including NAR's institutes, societies, and councils, involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
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Conveyancing Review Coalition
Representative bodies in Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland, England & Wales have created the Conveyancing Review Coalition (CRC) to share best practice and to support each other in identifying solutions to the impact of home moving and home ownership across the UK and Ireland. The CRC is comprised of representatives from IPAV (IRE), Propertymark (NI), the Conveyancing Association (UK), National Trading Standards Estate & Letting Agency Team (UK) and Scottish Conveyancers Forum (SCO) who have joined together with the aim of fostering the exchange of best practices on conveyancing, and to provide mutual support in identifying solutions for the challenges associated with home moving and home ownership across both markets.
Austin Board of REALTORS®
Ambassadorship with IPAV. The Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) is a nonprofit organisation that has been serving the needs of Austin REALTORS® and consumers for more than 90 years.
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Propertymark
IPAV exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding in 1995 with NAEA, now Propertymark, the leading membership body for property agents.
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Oireachtas Committee on Property Market Reform
IPAV proposed and established a cross-party Oireachtas Committee on Property Market Reform in 2021. Bringing together a cross party selection of TDs and Senators with representatives of IPAV helps to inform Oireachtas debates on property market reform as well as to assist in the development of new policy solutions. The Committee works collaboratively with relevant stakeholders, to include Ministers and their officials, so that industry opinion can be leveraged to help relieve some of the blockages in the system.
2021 September, November
2022 March, June November
2023 March, June, November
Chair to be appointed
Senator Aidan Davitt – Vice-Chair
Party: FF
Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill TD
Party: FG
Senator John McGahon
Party: FG
Senator Robbie Gallagher
Party: FF
Senator Mary Fitzpatrick
Party: FF
Éoin Ó Broin TD
Party: SF
Barry Cowen TD
Party: FF
Paul Kehoe TD
Party: FG
Senator John Cummins
Party: FG
Noel Francis Duffy
Party: GP
Past Presidents
- 2023 – 2024 John Kennedy
- 2022 – 2023 Gerry Coffey
- 2021 – 2022 Paul McCourtney
- 2020 – 2021 Tom Crosse
- 2019 – 2020 David McDonnell
- 2018 – 2019 Ella Dunphy
- 2017 – 2018 Brian Dempsey
- 2016 – 2017 Alan Redmond
- 2015 – 2016 Eamon O’Flaherty
- 2014 – 2015 Keith Anderson
- 2013 – 2014 Ronald Duff (RIP)
- 2012 – 2013 Liam O’Donnell (RIP)
- 2011 – 2012 Padraig Smith (RIP)
- 2010 – 2011 Paul Reynolds (RIP)
- 2009 – 2010 John Shaw
- 2008 – 2009 Alan Redmond
- 2006 – 2008 Seán Mason
- 2005 – 2006 Senator Willie Farrell (RIP)
- 2004 – 2005 Richard Nagle
- 2003 – 2004 Paul Gartlan
- 2002 – 2003 Patrick Davitt
- 2001 – 2002 Michael J. O’Leary (RIP)
- 2000 – 2001 Ray Finlay
- 1999 – 2000 Mervyn Lloyd
- 1998 – 1999 Ronald Duff (RIP)
- 1997 – 1998 Tom Crosse
- 1996 – 1997 Thomas Collins
- 1995 – 1996 Peter Murtagh
- 1993 – 1995 Martin O’Mahony
- 1992 – 1993 Tim Corkery
- 1991 – 1992 Patrick Carroll
- 1990 – 1991 Noel Broe (RIP)
- 1989 – 1990 John Earley
- 1987 – 1989 Patrick Davitt
- 1984 – 1987 Liam O’Donnell (RIP)
- 1983 – 1984 Leslie T. Bradshaw
- 1982 – 1983 P.J. McKiernan (RIP)
- 1981 – 1982 Tom Donnelly
- 1980 – 1981 Michael Munnelly
- 1978 – 1980 Patrick Gilna
- 1976 – 1978 Donal Hynes (RIP)
- 1974 – 1976 C.J. Fox (RIP)
- 1973 – 1974 L.E. Brennan
- 1971 – 1973 James J Guinan (RIP)
Policy
Code of Conduct
IPAV’s Code of Conduct forms an integral part of the conditions of Membership of the Institute. It provides the framework for the professional standards and compliance IPAV Members are expected to demonstrate in their professional lives.
IPAV is a Professional Body and all IPAV Members must abide by the Code and the Disciplinary Procedure Regulations, and any other investigation deemed necessary by IPAV.
IPAV is not a regulatory body, and licenced IPAV Members must comply with the requirements of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011.
Complaints & Disciplinary Procedures
Members of the public or fellow professionals, who believe an IPAV member has contravened this Code, can submit a signed formal letter of complaint to IPAV.
Please note IPAV is a Professional Body and not a Regulatory body.
How to make a formal complaint:
- IPAV can only accept complaints against a PSP who is a registered IPAV member
- Confirm the Property Services Provider (PSP) is an IPAV Member by searching our Members or contact IPAV at info@ipav.ie or 01-6785685
- A written formal letter of complaint should be addressed to: CEO, IPAV, 129 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
- Ensure the letter is signed and dated by the complainant
- Outline the reason for the complaint
- If applicable, provide supporting documentation
- A full copy of the complaint received at IPAV will be sent to the member for their written response
- Any failure by the member to respond, or any comments which warrant further investigation shall be referred to the Disciplinary Committee
- Subject to the decision of the Disciplinary Committee there may be a prima facie case for an inquiry
- If legal proceedings are already in place regarding the complaint, IPAV will not investigate until the final outcome of the legal proceedings