The Portsmouth Property Association has appointed Sau-Wan Lai as its new chair, with Stacey Read confirmed as deputy chair following the organisation’s annual general meeting.
The appointments mark the first time both positions have been held by women simultaneously since the association was founded in 1920. The organisation is now in its 107th year of operation.
Lai, who co-founded commercial property firm Wheeler & Lai, becomes the fifth woman to hold the chair position in the association’s history.
Regional property representation
The Portsmouth Property Association represents property sector professionals across the Portsmouth region, including estate agents, surveyors, conveyancers and brokers. The organisation aims to facilitate collaboration and support economic development in the city’s property market.
Speaking about her appointment, Lai said: “The PPA is the voice of property in the city region – it’s also a privilege to be able to work alongside amazing peers who also give up their time to give back to members, to the community and to charity.”
As part of the association’s traditions, Lai has selected three local charities to support during her tenure: The Elizabeth Foundation, Endometriosis South Coast and Ripple Suicide Prevention.
Industry context
The appointment comes at a time when communication challenges in property transactions continue to affect the sector, alongside broader market pressures. Regional property associations play a role in connecting professionals and addressing local market issues, though agents and brokers face ongoing business challenges in the current economic environment.
The Portsmouth Property Association’s membership spans the full spectrum of property sector professionals operating in the Portsmouth city region, providing a forum for networking and professional development within the local market.
