A few years ago, anyone could start selling houses and make a good profit. On Tuesday 1 February 2022, the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) was replaced by the new Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA), which is governed by the Property Practitioners Act (PPA). The PPRA requires all estate agents to be registered property practitioners.
The property business has always been sleazy – dodgy estate agents would take large commissions for no work, get unethical kickbacks and even cheat people. To ensure that consumers get what they pay for morally and ethically, anyone who makes money through property (management, sales, etc.) must register under the act.
How to become a real estate agent
So, how can you become a real estate agent in South Africa? Certain requirements must be met to become a property practitioner. These include basic requirements such as being 18 years or older, being legally allowed to work in South Africa, and completed an internship at a registered real estate company.
What subjects do you need to become a real estate agent in South Africa?
No specific subjects are required for becoming a real estate agent in South Africa.
Basic requirements on how to become an estate agent
To become a real estate agent, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a matric certificate or equivalent
- Be a South African citizen or have a valid work permit (if you are a foreign national)
What Education and Training do realtors need?
The PPRA is trying to make the property industry less sleazy. To do this, they require you to do training and undertake a 12-month internship. There are certain scenarios where the necessity of this might be waived, but for normal people like me and you, it will be a requirement:
- Complete the Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): Real Estate NQF Level 4 course
- Undertake a 12-month internship with a registered estate agency
Register with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA)
When starting your property journey, you must register with the PPRA as an intern. You must fill out timesheets, and logbooks, and jump through a few hoops. For example, you will have to:
- Register as an intern agent at the start of your internship
- Receive a Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) for legal operation
- Maintain and submit a logbook documenting internship activities
Complete the Professional Designation Examination (PDE)
As soon as you’ve done your internship, you must write the PDE 4 exam, which will test your knowledge of real estate practices, ethics, and legislation. You will need to pass this exam!
How do I become a property practitioner?
Once you’ve completed your internship and passed your exam, you will be able to register with the PPRA to become a full-status agent. You will also receive a Fidelity Fund Certificate upon approval.
Engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
As with many other professional industries, you must complete the required Continuous Professional Development CPD points annually. These can be obtained through workshops, seminars, and courses.
Key Considerations for Success
If you want to become a real estate agent for financial gain, choose a reputable agency for your internship. The class and learning received at your internship agency will set the tone for your professional network – which will become invaluable over time.
It’s also your job to stay informed about market trends and industry developments. If you become outdated, you will find yourself out of a job in a short time.
You need to uphold your reputation by any means. If you have a reputation for being dishonest, or rude, or do not appear to know what you are doing, it will affect your career and brand negatively.
Conclusion
Becoming a real estate agent in South Africa requires dedication to education, practical training, and ongoing professional development. By following these steps and adhering to regulatory requirements, aspiring agents can build successful careers in the dynamic South African property market. The journey demands commitment but offers rewarding opportunities for those passionate about real estate.
For more detailed information, refer to the official PPRA website and accredited real estate training institutions.
