Gateways to Professional Practice: A Preliminary Statutory Review of  Estate Agency Entry Requirements in the SADC Region

Partson Paradza; Joseph A Yacim; Jairus T Ndoma; Steven Ngubeni

doi:10.38027/ICCAUA2026EN0189

Authors

Partson Paradza Department of Architecture, Institute of Architecture and urbansim, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
Joseph A Yacim Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Jairus T Ndoma Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, London, UK
Steven Ngubeni School of Construction Economics and Management, Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38027/ICCAUA2026EN0189

Keywords:

Professional Practice, Estate Agency, Southern African Development Community, Property Broker, Assessment of Professional Competency

Abstract

Estate agency is vital to real estate markets, yet regulatory frameworks across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are fragmented, limiting professional mobility and market integrity. This study compares entry-to-practice requirements for estate agents in 11 English-speaking SADC countries, examining educational qualifications, mentorship duration, age thresholds, and professional assessments. Using a descriptive qualitative approach and archival data from statutory instruments and regulatory authorities, the study identifies significant disparities that create barriers to regional integration and equitable access to practice. Findings highlight the potential of harmonising standards under the SADC Qualifications Framework to standardise competence, recognise prior learning, and enhance consumer protection. The study provides policy-relevant insights to support coordinated professional regulation and strengthen the quality of estate agency services across the SADC region. By generating the first coordinated regional evidence on estate-agency regulation, this study offers empirically grounded insights to support policy harmonization and strengthen professional standards.