In a drive to improve the professional standards at entry level in the property ownership and management business, Nelson Mandela Bay is to run its first full-scale training programme on that section of the industry.

The course will be run by the SA Property Owners' Association, a professional body representing hundreds of companies, estate agents, professionals like architects and quantity surveyors, as well as local and national government representatives.

The basic property programme - based on successful courses held in other parts of the country - will be held at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's Bird Street business campus from July 11 to 13.

"As the economy improves and more individuals, groups and companies move into the property market, it has become increasingly important that, as a first step, they have a basic knowledge of the various principles and forces at play in the industry," says Sapoa PE branch secretary Hilton Stevens.

"We are also seeing an increasing number of emerging entrepreneurs becoming involved in all facets of the property market, and believe the time is right to introduce a formal course."

It would be intensive and held over three days, said Stevens.

A total of 19 topics - including valuing property, conveyancing, title deeds and building costs - would be covered.

"The course has been highly successful in other parts of the country and we believe it will be equally so in Mandela Bay."