The College of Property Administrators of Alicante (COAFA) operates as a public law organization with a mandate spanning the real estate sector. Whether rural or urban property, rental management, horizontal ownership, or any task tied to property administration, it remains a vital professional body. The field is deeply connected to a society that has seen remarkable growth over the past five decades. As a professional association, COAFA is dedicated to safeguarding the constitutional right to safe and habitable housing for all citizens. Real estate is a central asset in modern life, and its management touches many lives, underscoring the need for ongoing training and up-to-date information for its members.
At COAFA, there is a clear focus on the continual training of property managers so they can fulfill their duties in line with the law, uphold mediating and ethical standards, and adapt to evolving technological and sociological changes that shape contemporary practice.
The College of Property Administrators represents an evolution in the profession. Traces of the role date back to the 19th century, the professional figure was formalized in 1936, and in 1968 the Spanish National Association of Property Managers was established as a nationwide body. In 1981, regional property colleges were created. The administration of property became part of the General Council of Associations, whose purpose is to represent the interests of professional groups before the state.
Over the years, sustained efforts have advanced the real estate sector and the broader society. A landmark moment occurred in 1999 when regional colleges, together with the General Council of Property Managers, mobilized public sentiment and collected 830,000 signatures to reform late payments by communities. This milestone led to the enactment of law 8/1999, approved on April 6, which reformed law 40/1960 governing horizontal property, making housing stakeholders better protected.
The owner communities then entered a new era with reforms aimed at improving oversight, enabling prompt enforcement in certain cases, disqualifying defaulters, issuing debt certifications, and instituting late-payment notifications. These measures helped curb the scale of late payments that had historically affected communities.
As the silver anniversary of this legislation approaches, it is fitting to acknowledge the regional colleges and the General Council of Property Administrators for delivering a regulatory framework that equips communities with practical tools to address late payments. Their work has made home ownership and community life more viable. It is also important to recognize the dedicated civil administrators, past and present, and the new generations who operate under the umbrella of the association, united in service to the profession and society.