'It will enable estate agents to provide full-on property valuations, as distinct from the comparative market analyses which our industry currently uses. Registration will also make estate agent valuers accountable, which is good news for the consumer.

'It will also enable estate agents to diversify. We know of several for whom this has opened up a whole new career path, because they will be able to 'retire' from the sales rat race and continue their property careers as valuers, which is less demanding but still lucrative.'

The question of estate agents valuing properties became something of an issue when capital gains tax was introduced in October 2001. Up to that point, only CPVP-registered valuers could 'determine' the value of property, and all estate agents could do was 'estimate' value.

Though this may seem like a small distinction, says Rawson, it made a big difference if a valuation was integral to a legal matter such as a divorce settlement or a tax dispute.

However, when CGT was introduced, the SA Revenue Service stated that anyone could value a property, provided, of course, that the SARS accepted the valuation. That announcement created a desire among estate agents to add property valuation to their range of services, and led to discussions between the IEA (representing the estate agent industry), the CPVP and the SA Institute of Valuers, on the formal recognition of estate agents as valuers.

The outcome was a decision, in principle, to establish the 'Single Residential Property Assessor' category, and to determine the necessary qualifications for registration. It will be some time before the new category is actually brought into being, as rules must still be approved, and the necessary training courses must be prepared.

'We hope that by this time next year we will see the first 'Single Residential Property Assessors' in action,' says Rawson.

Andreas Mokweni of the CPVP  said it was important to note that the resolution could not be implemented immediately.

He said the council would have to make rules to cover the aspects concerned. The draft rules must be published in the Government Gazette for comment and at least 30 days must be allowed for such comment. Furthermore, the SAIV, inconsultation with the council, would need time to devise and arrange the special practical workschool.